- Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Facts
- Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Mesothelioma Awareness
- Mesothelioma Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma Causes
- Mesothelioma Risk Factors
- Mesothelioma Incidence
- Mesothelioma Diagnosis
- Mesothelioma Tests
- Mesothelioma Biopsy
- Mesothelioma Blood Test
- Mesothelioma Pathology
- Mesothelioma Prognosis
- Mesothelioma Life Expectancy
- Mesothelioma Life Span
- Mesothelioma Survival Rate
- Mesothelioma Survivors
- Mesothelioma Death Rate
- Mesothelioma Types
- Pleural Mesothelioma
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Pericardial Mesothelioma
- Well-Differentiated Papillary Mesothelioma
- Malignant Mesothelioma
- Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma
- Biphasic Mesothelioma
- Epithelial Mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma Staging
- Mesothelioma Metastasis
Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma, also known as malignant mesothelioma, is a disease caused most typically by the inhalation of asbestos particles. The disease is a cancer in the mesothelium, which is the membrane around the body's internal organs. Although there have been rare documented cases in which mesothelioma is caused by other triggers such as radiation or other irritants, it has been shown that prolonged exposure to asbestos-containing materials is the primary source of mesothelioma.
Sources of asbestos that can cause of mesothelioma can typically be broken down into two categories, occupational exposure and environmental exposure. Occupational exposure is a far more common cause of asbestos exposure during the U.S. in the 20th century.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous mineral that was ubiquitous in construction in the U.S. from the late 1800s until 1989, when the federal government strictly tightened regulations on its use due to health concerns like mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers have a naturally high tensile strength and are heat and fire resistant, making asbestos a popular material for materials like insulation, roofing, cement, tiles, siding, floors and many others.
Because of the popularity of asbestos, millions of people have been exposed to it through work or simply living near it, and they are therefore at risk for mesothelioma. Asbestos is often friable, meaning it easily crumbles, so the durable and microscopic particles easily enter a person's lungs when exposed to asbestos, especially during construction or handling.
In most mesothelioma cases, the fine asbestos particulate matter lodges in the outer lining of the lungs and in the mesothelium around the lungs. Less commonly, it is known to affect the abdomen or the cardiac cavity. Over time, this asbestos irritates the tissues causing scar tissue and inflammation. Although it is not clearly understood how these irritated areas turn into malignant cancers, cellular damage, disruption of cell division, production of free radicals and production of oncoproteins are all potential pathways for malignant tumor growth at these sites.
Common Asbestos Exposure
People at the highest risk of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are those who used asbestos materials occupationally. It is estimated that asbestos workers who were involved in the mining, transport or refining of asbestos products are 300 times more likely to develop mesothelioma than a typical person. Other occupational causes of mesothelioma include people who worked in industries such as shipbuilding, railroads, oil refineries, chemical plants and power plants. Construction workers who used asbestos materials regularly during construction or remodeling of buildings also have a higher exposure level to asbestos.
Environmentally, asbestos may have contaminated air or water around asbestos mining sites or processing facilities. Asbestos may also be present in older homes and buildings, and those living with household members who worked with asbestos may have been exposed to it from the other person's clothing or hair.
If previously exposed to asbestos, risk factors are high that a person may develop mesothelioma. Check with a doctor with regular screenings for mesothelioma before symptoms develop.