Mesothelioma Risk

When it comes to mesothelioma or mesothelioma risk , there are a number of risk factors to take into account. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that results from exposure to asbestos dust and fibers over long periods or at high levels. This cancer can affect the heart, lung, or abdominal region and can take several decades or longer to develop. Although there are treatments available to ease the symptoms of mesothelioma, there is currently no cure available, and more and more people are being diagnosed with this cancer in countries all over the world every year.

Lets have a look at mesothelioma risk

The first and main risk factor associated with mesothelioma is being exposed to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos dust and fibers is what causes mesothelioma, and, therefore, exposure to this material in any way, from work or secondary exposure to environmental exposure, is a major risk factor in the development of mesothelioma. This means that living in an area where there is a chance of asbestos contamination is a risk factor, working with asbestos is a risk factor, and living in the same house as someone who works with asbestos is a risk factor.

How asbestos causes mesothelioma

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibres. You can breathe these fibres in when you come into contact with asbestos. The fibres work their way into the pleura, lining the lung. They irritate the pleura and damage the cells that the pleura are made of. Some of the fibres that have been breathed in can be coughed up and swallowed. This is probably the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, your family may also have been exposed. Asbestos fibres can be carried home on your clothes. Research studies have confirmed that the families of people exposed to asbestos also have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.

Certain jobs are construed as risk factors when it comes to mesothelioma. This includes having worked in steel mills, in shipyards, as an electrician, as a carpenter, as a plumber, and various other professions where there is increased risk of exposure. Another risk factor for mesothelioma is smoking, and although cigarettes do not actually cause mesothelioma, they can increase the chances of developing it if you are also exposed to asbestos.

Those classified as being at increased risk of contracting mesothelioma should make their doctors aware of the increased risk factors, as this could prove helpful in the event that any of the symptoms of mesothelioma develop. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very non-specific, and this knowledge will make it easier for the doctor to make a more accurate diagnosis.