What Is The Connection Between Mesothelioma and Asbestos?

Answer 1

Many people are inherently afraid of asbestos. They may not know exactly why, but they remember being told to avoid it at some point in their lives. Several years ago, illnesses rated to asbestos began to climb and news sources ran with the information. Soon, businesses, schools and homes were all being investigated for the prevalence of asbestos between their walls, used as insulation. However, there is a lot of confusion regarding asbestos and its dangers. Small amounts of exposure to asbestos are highly unlikely to cause illness. However, extended exposure to it (such as by someone who may work with it professionally), may cause a severe form of cancer such as mesothelioma. If you are among the people who are unfamiliar with asbestos and mesothelioma, here are a few quick facts regarding the natural fiber and the disease it can cause.

Many mistakenly believe asbestos is a manufactured material. It is actually a naturally-occurring fiber. Asbestos is commonly used for insulation because it is flame-retardant, strong, and resistant to chemicals. It is one of the best insulators available today and this is why it is commonly used in buildings both commercial and residential. Small amounts of exposure to asbestos will not cause illness. This is why it is continued to be used as insulation in numerous buildings. However, long-term exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer where malignant cells are found in the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers most of the body's internal organs. The primary victims of this form of cancer are people who have repeated exposure to asbestos and have inhaled its particles. 2,000 new cases of asbestos-related mesothelioma are reported in the U.S. each year. It is still a rare form of the disease. Mesothelioma infects the mesothelium and causes the cells to become abnormal and begin to divide without order. This soon infects nearby tissues and organs and rapidly spreads throughout the body. Unfortunately this cancer can appear in either men or women of any age. 70 to 80 percent of all cases are linked to those with experience working with asbestos.

The best way to prevent mesothelioma is to avoid any extended exposure to asbestos. If you have chosen a career which requires your handling of the fiber, make sure to always wear a protective mask to help prevent you from inhaling any particles. Many places have begun campaigns to stop the usage of asbestos as insulation in buildings, citing its damaging effects. However, there is little evidence to support that those in buildings with asbestos insulation will get the disease. Mesothelioma is obtained after many years of exposure and direct contact to asbestos, which makes people in buildings which use it as an insulator at a very low risk, if at all.

Answer 2

Asbestos and cancer are interrelated because asbestos is known to cause cancer and other conditions. Mesothelioma is a very common form of cancer caused from asbestos exposure.

Answer 3

Mesothelioma, or malignant mesothelioma is the most common cancer associated with Asbestos. Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelial tissue due to exposure to asbestos.