What is Mesothelioma? How do you get Mesothelioma?

Definition of Mesothelioma

"Mesothelioma  (cancer of the mesothelium) is a disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. Most cases of mesothelioma begin in the pleura or peritoneum." - National Cancer Institute. 

Cause of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that occurs in individuals exposed to asbestos.  Mesothelioma victims have either inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers which then travel through the lungs and become lodged in the pleura, the thin, saran wrap-type membrane lining the lungs. Mesothelioma can also develop in the abdominal (peritoneal) area of the body.

The only known cause of mesothelioma is from exposure to asbestos. Even small amounts of asbestos and infrequent exposure can create a risk for contracting mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.  Mesothelioma can develop anywhere from 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure.  Each year 2,500 to 4,000 patients in the U.S. are diagnosed with mesothelioma. 

Asbestos Exposure

Exposure to asbestos fibers usually occurs in at-risk workplace environments. Those at the highest risk for developing mesothelioma include workers handling or installing insulation, roofers, electricians, and miners.  Other occupations pose a risk to the workers for exposure to asbestos.  

Industrial and trade workers' families may be put in jeopardy to contracting mesothelioma through asbestos particles that cling to the workers' clothing, shoes, skin and hair. This type of “second-hand” exposure to asbestos is known as para-occupational exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can also occur in the home. Asbestos exposure in the home could have occurred when renovation or repair work was performed. The majority of building products manufactured today do not contain asbestos; however those used prior to 1970 often create exposure risks. Products such as joint compounds, wallboards, gaskets, fireproofing, pipe covering, cements, floor tiles, ceiling tiles and boiler insulation often contained asbestos. If these products were mixed, ground, cut, sawed, sprayed, removed or otherwise disturbed, they could have released significant asbestos fibers into your home. The inhalation of these airborne fibers can create the risk of developing mesothelioma.