Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the protective lining of the chest cavity, abdominal cavity and the cavity around the heart. The most common site for these tumors to develop is the pleura (outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall). It can also occur in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity) and in the sac surrounding the heart (pericardium).
Mesothelioma in the chest wall may produce symptoms similar to lung cancer, but mesothelioma is not caused by smoking. It is caused from exposure to asbestos. Smoking does greatly increase the risk of developing cancer, but is not the cause of mesothelioma. Most cases of diagnosed mesothelioma are a result of asbestos exposure on-the-job. There are also reported cases of victims of mesothelioma developing the cancer from washing clothes contaminated with asbestos particles.
Asbestos is the name of a group of minerals that occur naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers that can be separated into thin threads and woven. Asbestos has been widely used in many industrial products including:
- Cement
- Brake linings
- Roof shingles
- Flooring products
- Textiles
- Insulation
If tiny asbestos particles float into the air, especially during the manufacturing process, they may be inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems. In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos increases the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis (a non-cancerous, chronic lung ailment) and other cancers, such as those of the larynx or kidney.
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