Mesothelioma Risk Factors

Is the risk factors of malignant mesothelioma?



There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood that the person's body will develop mesothelioma. The main risk factor is exposure to asbestos. Exposure to dangerous substances can significantly increase the likelihood of contracting the disease. Smoking does not have a direct causal connection with mesothelioma, but can significantly increase the risk and exacerbate the chances of developing the disease. Other causes of secondary factors include exposure to radiation, zeolite, simian virus 40 (SV40) and erionite. Each will be discussed in more detail in the risk factor information link below.

Asbestos ExposureExposure to asbestos is the main risk factors for mesothelioma. Asbestos is an insulating material consisting of magnesium-silicate mineral fibers. Asbestos favored by builders and contractors for many years for the low thermal conductivity and resistant to melt and burn resistant. Because researchers have identified a link between mesothelioma and further exposure to asbestos, asbestos materials rarely used. Prior to this study revealed, millions of Americans have suffered a serious exposure to this harmful substance asbestos.

Smoking and Mesothelioma 
Smoking alone is not associated with mesothelioma, but smokers who are exposed to asbestos have a much higher chance of developing asbestos lung cancer (as much as 50-90 percent higher) and as much as two-fold risk of developing mesothelioma.

Secondary Risk Factors Mesothelioma

Radiation 
Thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), a substance used in x-ray tests in the past has been reported to have a relationship that causes pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma. Thorotrast use has been discontinued for many years because of this discovery.

Zeolite
Some cases of mesothelioma in the region Anatoli in Turkey has been associated with the zeolite. Silica-based minerals that are chemically similar to asbestos found in the ground there.

Simian virus 40 (SV40) 
Some scientists have discovered simian virus 40 (SV30) in human mesothelioma cells and has been able to create mesothelioma in animals with virusni. The relationship between this virus and mesothelioma is still unclear. However further research is being conducted to gain clarity about the potential causes of this relationship.

Exposure to erionite 
Erionite is a naturally occurring mineral that has properties very similar to asbestos. There are several documented cases of mesothelioma in people living near the disposal of erionite.

Carbon nanotubes 
Researchers continue to evaluate the exposure of nanotubes as a possible risk factor for different causes of mesothelioma although scientists have yet to demonstrate attention to this.