[Incidence of malignant mesothelioma and asbestos exposure in the Lombardy region, Italy, 2000-2008].

We evaluated the trend of incidence and asbestos exposure of malignant mesothelioma (MM) in 2000-2008 in the Lombardy Region (Italy). We recorded 2,816 MMs (1,793 men, 1,023 women). The age-standardized rates (x 100,000/year) were 3.4 (men) and 1.4 (women) (standard population: Europe). We found a 3.0% and 0.9% increase per year of number of cases and rate, respectively. Exposure was obtained in 2,671 cases (94.9%). Occupational exposure to asbestos was found for 1,296 (72.3%) men and 377 (36.9%) women, non-occupational exposure in 141 (13.8%) women and 58 (3.2%) men. The exposure profile within gender did not vary over years.