About Mesothelioma; Cancer from Asbestos Exposure
August 26, 2010 – 4:52 pmMesothelioma (AKA malignant mesothelioma), is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining (the mesothelium) that covers many of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelioma is is usually caused by exposure to asbestos.[1]
While the cancer can develop in many places in the body, the most common area is the pleura–the outer lining of the lungs.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fiber in other ways. While not conclusive, it has also been suggested that washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can put a person at risk for developing mesothelioma.[3]
Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking. However, smoking greatly increases the risk of other asbestos-induced cancers.[4]
Mesothelioma.com is a website that provides a lot of information for persons with Mesothelioma. There are many good articles on the site about the disease, treatment, and asbestos exposure. They also provide information on various types of mesothelioma. The website appears to be funded by attorneys who provide representation to individuals who have been exposed to Asbestos.
1 “Mesothelioma risks and causes : Cancer Research UK : CancerHelp UK”. Cancerhelp.org.uk. 2010-06-23. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
2 Ashrafian H, Athanasiou T, Yap J, DeSouza AC. Two-chamber intracardiac mesothelioma. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2005 Jun;13(2):184-6.
3 Eastbourne Today. “Woman’s death from asbestos”. Retrieved 2008-10-28.
4 Muscat JE, Wynder EL (May 1991). “Cigarette smoking, asbestos exposure, and malignant mesothelioma”. Cancer Res. 51 (9): 2263–7. PMID 2015590.
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