Causes

This cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a commonly used building material years ago before anyone knew how hazardous it was to their health. It is a natural fiber that is still mined all over the world today.

Summary

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of varying lengths of fibers. These asbestos fibers we now know is carcinogenic (cancer causing). When asbestos is disturbed, as in renovations of old houses, the asbestos dust and fibers become airborne. These airborne particles are then swallowed or inhaled and become lodged in the soft tissue of the body, usually in the lungs. The immune system kicks in and inflammation is the result. The body can't remove foreign bodies so it attempts to break down these fibers, and scarring occurs. This stage is called asbestosis. Asbestosis is not a cancer; it is an uncomfortable lung condition that, years later can leads to the development of abnormal cells. These cells eventually develop into tumors. This is now mesothelioma. Please fill out the form below if you'd like to receive more information on this disease.