Mesothelioma UK | Supporting people with this asbestos cancer
Mesothelioma Causes
Mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, leading to inflammation, scarring and genetic damage. Understanding the causes of mesothelioma is essential for preventing cancer and promoting early detection.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. When you inhale or ingest asbestos dust, it can settle into different organs and cause inflammation and irritation that may eventually lead to mesothelioma.
Most people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at work or during military service. Asbestos fibers were widely used in construction materials, automotive parts and machinery for their heat-resistant properties, but can break down and create toxic dust. Some people also develop mesothelioma because of secondhand contact when workers inadvertently brought asbestos home on clothing or gear, exposing their families.
Asbestos-contaminated talc can also cause mesothelioma. Potential mesothelioma risk factors such as family history, genetics and lifestyle can increase the likelihood someone exposed to asbestos may develop cancer
How Does Mesothelioma Develop?
Mesothelioma develops when microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and get trapped in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that lines the lungs, abdomen, heart or testes. The fibers pierce this lining, causing inflammation and damage to the mesothelial cells.
Over time, chronic inflammation and the physical properties of asbestos fibers can damage the DNA of your cells. Ultimately this can cause the formation of mesothelioma tumors.
Asbestos fibers that embed in the outer lining of the lungs can cause pleural mesothelioma. When the fibers get stuck in the abdominal cavity, they may cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Fibers may also embed in the pericardium surrounding the heart or the membrane that covers the testes. However, pericardial and testicular mesothelioma are both very rare.
Common Mesothelioma Risk Factors
Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor for a mesothelioma cancer diagnosis. Occupational asbestos exposure ranks as the No. 1 risk factor for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and pleural plaques. But there are other factors that can further increase your chance of developing the disease.
