Causes of Mesothelioma

Asbestos Mesothelioma. The most common cause of mesothelioma is Asbestos. Asbestos is naturally occurring fibrous material  which is used for insulation purposes. Mesothelioma is an occupational hazard and affects those who work in the industry associated with asbestos. This disease occurs due to inhalation and/or ingestion of the asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma is therefore also referred to as asbestos mesothelioma, as the greatest risk factor of mesothelioma cancer is asbestos.


Based on scientific studies, the most common and obvious cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Yes, the same silicate mineral that is used in building construction due to its fire resistant property.  Indeed, when this property was discovered and applied for its benefit, almost all construction projects employ the said mineral through mixing it with cement for better durability. Likewise, the asbestos was also used in other industries such as fabric and mat weaving, electric oven, electrical wiring, and others thus, making a presence in most products in the market. The problem to this scenario is that excessive exposure and intact of asbestos in 
the body is toxic as it can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Indeed, most of the patients in the medical history who were diagnosed with mesothelioma are building constructors and workers who have direct jobs related to asbestos application in their job. Constant exposure with the possibilities of inhalation of its particles and having direct contact with it through bare skin significantly increase the risk of incurring mesothelioma. In fact, prior to physical examination for the diagnosis of the symptoms of mesothelioma, medical physician first evaluate any possibilities of asbestos contact in the occupation of the patient. Not only that but prolong contact with building walls made up of asbestos mixture can also post some risk as tiny fibres and particles can still be inhaled from the said source. As such, legal actions have mandated the use of asbestos in most industry at present.

Though asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, there are also other possible factors that can induce the said form of cancer or further aggravate the negative effect of asbestos. Chain smoking is one of them wherein nicotine and tar from the cigarette can strip the natural protective lining in the lungs inducing more pleural effusion immunosuppressive effects. There are also particular viruses that have been determined to be potential cause of mesothelioma. Some studies have linked the Simian virus to some mesothelioma cases yet there is still not definitive conclusion for this possibility.

Q.. How much time of exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma ?

Just an exposure of one to two months to asbestos is enough to get mesothelioma, which may manifest maybe 40 or 50 or 60 years later.

Other Causes of Mesothelioma ?

Occasionally, exposure to radiation has also been known to cause mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma are still not understood. Mesothelioma is not due to genetic causes of cancer  which is known to be a major cause of cancer as explained in causes and risk factors of cancer. Family members of patients who have developed malignant mesothelioma, are therefore not at any cancer risk.