Mesothilioma Causes

The causes of mesothilioma are primarily linked to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that has been used on the manufacturing industry up until the late 1960's. It was mainly used as a fire retardent. It has been most commonly found in people who worded in ship yards and the building and construction industry.

The asbestos fibres are usually breathed in or inhaled as a result of contact with the substance, especially when it was broken, cut or used in manufacturing. The fibres work their way down to the mesothelium (inside the gut lining) which produces fluid to keep the intestines moist. However the cells in the mesothelium eventually start to divide uncontrollably, and the cancer is born.

When this occurs, the cancer is called mesothilioma. There are two types of mesothilioma: pleural mesothilioma and peritonal mesothilioma. Both are attributed to asbeestos in over 85% of cases.

Asbestos in itself is not dangerous, however the fibres when damaged or crushed they produce asbestos dust. These dust fibres circulate through the air and may be inhaled. As the fibres are sharp they easily embed themselves into the lungs or mesothelium, which in turn causes scarring which may lead to this deadly cancer.

If you have been working with asbestos fibres, then check out the Mesothiloma symptoms.