Causes of Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos is responsible for up to 9 out of 10 mesothelioma cases. There are thought to be other rare causes of the disease but none are fully understood at this time. The first suspicion linking asbestos and mesothelioma did not appear in the U.K. until 1935 and a definite link was not reported until

Mesothelioma is most predominantly caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing damage and resulting in lung cancer or asbestosis (scar tissue formation in the lungs). It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma generally results from occupational exposure but there are instances of environmental exposure to asbestos that can cause the disease. It has also been the case that second hand exposure of a family member to an asbestos workers dirty work clothes can result in that family member developing mesothelioma.

Other Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Cancer doctors and research scientists have not been able to directly prove any other causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos exposure. They do know, however, that smoking can aggravate a less serious asbestos-related disease, such as asbestosis, and prompt the formation of tumors and the onset of mesothelioma. Additionally, asbestos exposure and smoking has a synergistic affect that can increase a person's risk of developing lung cancer by as much as 84 times or more. For this reason, those who have been exposed to asbestos on a regular basis are highly advised not to smoke.

What is Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural fibrous mineral that is widely distributed in nature. Its name derives from the Greek meaning ‘inextinguishable’, which suggests its ability to resist heat and fire have always been understood. It is the ability to resist heat and fire that resulted in asbestos being used widely in industry, shipbuilding and construction particularly during and after World War II. Currently the largest producers of asbestos are Russia, China and Canada. Russia and China use a majority within their own country however Canada dominates the export market. There are still over 100 countries producing asbestos containing pipes and sheets to be used as low cost building material.

There are three main types of asbestos, blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite) and white (Chrysotile). They are all harmful but blue and brown asbestos are recognised as the most hazardous and have not been imported into the UK since 1985. However, they are still present in buildings and equipment produced before the ban. White asbestos was only banned in the U.K. in 1999.

It is asbestos dust or airborne fibres, which cause harm when inhaled or ingested. Asbestos materials left undisturbed probably poses no significant threat. Asbestos fibres are very fine and if they are breathed in they can reach the smallest areas of the lung where they cannot be breathed or coughed out. Once they have lodged in the lung the body’s defence mechanism tries to break them down and remove them which leads to swelling and inflammation in the surrounding area. The fibres can also penetrate the edge of the lung and settle in the pleural lining. The fibres can also be swallowed and in a similar way can lodge in the abdomen and work their way to the peritoneum that lines the abdomen where the same swelling and inflammation can occur.