Learn About Mesothelioma

Key Facts:

• Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the thin tissue that lines your internal organs. The most common kind of mesothelioma forms in the lining around the lungs (pleura). This is called pleural mesothelioma.
• Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, which is why it is considered the biggest risk factor of developing the disease.
• Over the last ten years, there have been an average of 3,100 new cases of mesothelioma every year in the United States. The rate of cases has been declining since the early 1990s, most likely due to a reduction in workplace exposure to asbestos.
• Although treatments for mesothelioma are improving, it remains an aggressive and deadly cancer.

How Mesothelioma Affects Your Body

Mesothelioma, like all cancers, starts when a cell’s DNA experiences changes (mutations) that cause the cell to receive the wrong information and multiply unchecked. This out-of-control cell growth results in a tumor (mass).

Scientists do not know for sure what causes mesothelioma; however, researchers have identified factors that are proven to increase the risk for developing cancer. Although not the only factor, asbestos exposure is strongly linked to the development of mesothelioma.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can travel into the smallest airways and irritate the lung lining, or pleura. This irritation results in inflammation and damage that can eventually lead to the creation of abnormal cancer cells. There are other areas in the body with a lining similar to the pleura that can also be affected, although much less commonly.

As mesothelioma progresses it may result in fluid accumulation in the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall, causing shortness of breath. Chest pain can occur if the tumor invades or compresses the nerves within the chest. If left untreated, mesothelioma often spreads to the lymph nodes and progresses rapidly, resulting in death.

Who Is at Risk for Mesothelioma?

Asbestos Exposure

The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber that was used in insulation and fire-retardant materials before the 1970s. Though its use has been banned for more than 30 years, occupations such as mining or milling, ship building, ship crew, navy personnel, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, insulators or even remodelers of older homes still have a high risk of exposure. The longer you are exposed to large amounts of asbestos the higher the risk of developing mesothelioma. Secondary exposure for those living with someone who has heavy asbestos exposure may also result in an increased risk due to the fibers being brought into the home environment on the clothes, skin and hair of the individual. Partners of someone that works with asbestos have increased risk due to secondary exposure, for example when washing clothing of the individual exposed to asbestos. However, mesothelioma is very rare, and most people exposed to asbestos never develop it.

Occupational Exposure

Certain occupations result in a higher risk of having asbestos exposure. The following occupations are considered to have increased risk.

Other Risk Factors

Other risk factors besides primary and secondary asbestos exposure include: 

• Radiation therapy; Radiation pertains particularly to patients who have received high doses of radiation therapy to the chest, such as patients treated for lymphoma. Even children who have received radiation therapy can get the disease, so if you have received this kind of treatment it is important to share that part of your medical history with your healthcare provider. Mesothelioma in children in very rare.
• Genetics: About 1% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have inherited a genetic mutation from a parent that has put them at increased risk of having the disease.

Steps to Reduce Asbestos Exposure

If you believe you may be exposed to asbestos at work or home, there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma. 

• Work Exposure

Ask your employer if you are at risk of inhaling asbestos at your job. Make sure to follow all safety regulations that your employer has laid out, including wearing protective equipment or showering and changing out of work clothes before returning home. 

• Exposure in Your Home

If you live in an older home, it is safer to leave asbestos where it is than remove it. Breaking up asbestos fibers will release them into the air, making them easy to inhale. If you believe your home has asbestos, contact a professional to test the air to determine if you are at risk.

Find out more about How to Protect Against Asbestos