Causes of Mesothelioma

What are the causes of mesothelioma?

In the United States, it's estimated that 2000 new cases are diagnosed annually. Mesothelioma occurs more often in men, but that is easily explained by the fact that more men than women were in asbestos exposing jobs 10 - 50 years ago. Mesothelioma may lay dormant up to 30 years before symptoms are evidenced. These symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of a number of other illnesses. When one begins to suffer from these symptoms, it is important to recognize that they could be attributed to reasons other than Mesothelioma. However if you know you have been exposed to asbestos, - or even if you are unaware of exposure to asbestos, but you were in an occupation that may have put you in asbestos exposing situations, - it is imperative that you inform your doctor of this. Again, the only known cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure so it is very important to tell your doctor of any asbestos exposure you may have had.

In 70 - 80% of the people diagnosed with Mesothelioma, there is a history of asbestos exposure. The cause of Mesothelioma in the remainder of these people isn't known. In the 1940's asbestos became a common material in the constructions industry. Cement, brake linings, roofing and flooring products, textiles, and insulation products are several of the many, many uses for asbestos. Millions of workers in the United States alone were exposed to asbestos dust. When working with asbestos, dust was frequently stirred up and consequently inhaled and swallowed by workers unaware and uninformed of the possibly fatal conditions this dust was capable of creating.

Further, these workers often carried this dust home with them on their clothes and in their hair. Sadly, many family members inhaled this dust as well, and consequently years later were diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

Unfortunately the dangers of asbestos and the knowledge of it being the cause of this deadly cancer did not become evident until many lives were lost.