Exposure to the naturally occurring mineral asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. While varying degrees of asbestos exposure can result in the development of mesothelioma later in life, the length and width of asbestos fibers can have a significant impact on whether someone develops the disease.
asbestos exposure often occurs in an occupational setting when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Exposure occurs when the microscopic fibers of asbestos become airborne and are inhaled by those nearby. Construction and shipyard workers are two areas of employment that have a history of placing people at risk for such exposure.
Malignant mesothelioma is highly connected to thin asbestos fibers. In addition to mesothelioma, thin fibers are also responsible for the development of asbestosis and lung cancer, two other conditions that can be caused by asbestos exposure.
Until recently, doctors and researchers knew little as to how asbestos fibers cause mesothelioma. In a study funded by the National Cancer Institute and the mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, several researchers from around the world may have found how the naturally occurring mineral causes cancer.
During the study, researchers learned that asbestos kills cells through a process called “programmed cell necrosis.” This process causes the release of a molecule known as high-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). The presence of HMGB1 starts an inflammatory reaction that causes tumor growth.
The majority of mesothelioma cases develop in the lining of the lungs. Symptoms often take between 20 and 50 years to arise and do not usually present themselves until the cancer has already reached the advanced stages of development. Treatment for mesothelioma generally consists of either surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a combination of the three, known as multimodality treatment.
Additional information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure may be found through the mesothelioma Center.