Mesothelioma Causes  

In contrast to other cancers, the cause of mesothelioma is almost unique, asbestos exposure and inhalation. These asbestos fibers are very tiny, and once inhaled, they can penetrate deeply into the lungs leading to the development of pleural mesothelioma.Although mostly affect the lung tissue, asbestos fibers can install on the pericardium to form a malignant growth called pericardial mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers can also be swallowed and remained in the digestive tract causing peritoneal mesothelioma, a very rare form of mesothelioma.  

Once inhaled, asbestos fibers cause a degeneration in normal cells of the mesothelium, a membrane that forms the lining of several body cavities. This abnormality causes the mesothelial cells to lose control and spread anarchically (cancer). Mesothelioma can develop until decades after asbestos exposure. In fact, the majority of people develop the disease without knowing they have been exposed to asbestos.   

You can be exposed to asbestos either:

·        Directly – this can only occur if you work in an industry or a building contaminated with asbestos from materials or other products containing asbestos ;

·        Indirectly - in this case, you're exposed to asbestos through a friend or family member who has asbestos fibers deposited on her/his clothes or hair.