Risk Factors Associated with Mesothelioma

The American cancer society supports that the main cause of mesothelioma is due to asbestos exposure. Apart from this the other factors that trigger mesothelioma are tobacco consumption, zeolite, SV40 virus, radiation exposure.

Asbestos- Asbestos is made of silicate and is used in numerous products like floor tiles, insulation, patching compounds, brake pads, board covers, door gaskets, roofing, fireproof gloves, soundproffing etc. when while working these fibers are inhaled the  these fibers stick to the mucus membrane in the wind pipe. While coughing or swallowing the fibers reach the airways and infiltrate through the pleural lining of chest or lungs. They affect the mesothelial cells leading to mesothelioma. Apt from this the cancer of esophagus, larynx, kidney, colon, and pancreas also happens due to exposure to asbestos but the risk involved is smaller in these cases. The chances of developing mesothelioma depend on the asbestos exposure over a particular person. The longer the exposure more chances that the person may develop the condition. Though the condition may take long time to develop, the exposure and the diagnosis is 20-50 years.

Radiation- There were certain reports published that mesothelioma of the pleura and peritonea happens due to thorium dioxide exposure. Previously this material was used by doctors for getting x-ray tests. Later it was banned as it was found to develop cancer in later stages.

Zeolite- This belongs to the family of asbestos and is silicate material.  People living in places with this silicate have found to develop mesothelioma.

Tobacco- Though smoking independently is not related with mesothelioma but the combination of asbestos exposure along with smoking can lead to the condition.

SV40 virus- in recent study it has been found that the possibility of infection due to simian virus 40 also known as SV40 can develop mesothelioma. Also the virus contaminating the polio vaccines can be related with the conditions of mesothelioma.