<oncology, tumour> Malignant tumour of the mesothelium, usually of lung, caused by exposure to asbestos fibres, particularly those of crocidolite, the fibres of which are thin and straight and penetrate to the deep layers of the lung. Because of their shape, the fibres puncture the macrophage phagosome and are released, leading to a chronic inflammatory state that is thought to contribute to development of the tumour. (06 Mar 1998)

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