Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the mesothelium or the linings that protect main organs in the body.  When looking at mesothelioma, one important thing to look at would be the causes.  What are the causes of mesothelioma and how can the knowing these help nip this cancer in the bud?

The first and most common cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.  According to a study, nine out of ten patients who have mesothelioma are linked with an exposure to asbestos.  In the past, before warnings and bans were made about asbestos, hundreds of products used it.  This includes construction materials such as pipes, ceilings and drywall.  That is why the incidence of mesothelioma is especially high for boilermakers, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters and construction workers.  In recent news, an increase in the incidence of mesothelioma was reported by those who cleaned up after the 9/11 attack.

There are other causes that are believed to be linked with mesothelioma, but this has not been proven yet.  One such cause would be the genetic mutation of cells.  Because of one’s overall health condition, environment, genetics and lifestyle, there may be an abnormal multiplication of the cells.  These cells are healthy cells that mutate into cancer cells and are quite robust so that they don’t die like normal cells.  These mutated cells attack body tissues and may spread throughout the body. This mutation is also said to be exacerbated by the presence of asbestos fibers lodged in the internal organs, particularly the lungs.

Other causes of mesothelioma are yet to be proven.  Some researchers say that the disease may have been caused by exposure to x-rays that used thorium dioxide.  There are also reports that polio vaccines used during the 50s and 60s have been tainted with the Simian virus, which is believed to caused mesothelioma.  However, these causes will need continuous research.