Risks & Causes
Mesothelioma is quite a rare cancer but it is becoming more common. About 1,800 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. Pleural mesothelioma is more common than peritoneal mesothelioma.
Unusually for cancer, we do know what causes the majority of cases of mesothelioma. It is most often linked to exposure to asbestos. We have known of a link between asbestos and lung disease since the beginning of the 18th century. But the link with mesothelioma has only been known since the 1960's.
Remember: Many people who develop mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation. You should talk to a solicitor about this as early as possible. Your specialist doctor or nurse may be able to give you some information on this from their dealings with other mesothelioma patients.
There are other factors that can increase your risk of being diagnosed with mesothelioma. These are
Radiation
Other chemicals
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is an insulating material that is heat and fire resistant. In the past, asbestos was used widely in
Building industry
Ship building industry
Manufacture of household appliances
Motor industry
There are three types of asbestos: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos are linked with mesothelioma. They are rarely used now and cannot be imported into the UK. White asbestos is now also thought to be harmful.
How does asbestos cause mesothelioma?
Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres. These are breathed in when you come into contact with asbestos. The fibres work their way into the pleura, lining the lung. They irritate the pleura and damage the cells that the pleura are made of. Some of the fibres that have been breathed in can be coughed up and swallowed. This is probably the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, your family may also have been exposed. Asbestos fibres can be carried home on your clothes. Research studies have confirmed that the family of people exposed to asbestos also have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma may not develop until 15-40 years after you have been exposed to asbestos. Between 7 and 8 out of every 10 people (70 - 80%) diagnosed with mesothelioma say that have been in contact with asbestos.
Radiation
Pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma has been known to develop after exposure to a type of radiation called thorium dioxide (Thorotast). This was used until the 1950's in some X-ray tests.
Other chemicals
A mineral found in Turkey called Zeolite may cause mesothelioma.
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