Asbestos Exposure And Mesothelioma
An understanding of asbestos is necessary before we try to understand
mesothelioma lung cancer. Asbestos, a natural fibrous mineral, used
commonly in construction process and manufacturing industries is
detrimental to human health. Continuous inhalation of its fibers
enhances the susceptibility to respiratory disorders and can lead to
many dangerous diseases. A leading example of such dangerous disease is
Mesothelioma lung cancer. Actually, mesothelioma lung cancer is misnomer
because mesothelioma cancers affect the lining of lungs (pleura) and
abdomen and not the lungs. Since mesothelioma cancers mostly affect the
lining of the lungs, it is generally called mesothelioma lung cancer.
The workers who had worked in industries such as shipbuilding, asbestos
mining, and asbestos production are vulnerable to mesothelioma cancers.
Role of Carcinogens
What is mesothelioma cancer and how does the lining of the lung become cancerous? Cancer is a tumor that is malignant in nature. Tumor is formed when there is abnormal cell division and cell multiplication in the cancerous cells. Exposure to carcinogens or cancer-causing material like cigarette smoke, asbestos and silica dust is instrumental in this abnormal cell division and formation of tumor.Mesothelioma cancer is directly linked to asbestos exposure. However, those already exposed to asbestos have a greater chance of developing lung cancer if they are exposed to other carcinogens such as cigarette smoke. A study reports that the workers with a history of asbestos exposure and cigarette smoke are more prone to lung cancer than the non-smokers and those with no history of asbestos exposure.
