Document ExzX74X4Do22bXqpjJ2XBjr14

1 abdominal cavity and encases all of the intestines. 2 Q Why is it called malignant? 3 A Malignant refers to cancerous. 4 Q Is diffuse malignant mesothelioma of either 5 the pleura or the abdominal cavity a common tumor? 6 A No, sir. In a general population, it is 7 very uncommon. It is said about one case per million 8 people per year in a general population. 9 Q Now, do you have an opinion, Dr. Gabrielson, 10 with reasonable medical certainty as to what causes 11 pleural and peritoneal diffuse malignant mesothelioma 12 in humans? 13 A Yes, sir. By far the most important cause 14 and the only really scientifically proven cause of 15 mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. 16 The background incidence is very low, as I 17 have said, but in asbestos exposed individuals, that 18 incidence is much, much higher. 19 Q And has that -- as part of your daily 20 practice and as part of your research, Doctor, do you 21 rely upon and use the field of epidemiology? Page 444