Risk factors are those activities that
increase the chance of getting a particular condition or disease. Malignant
mesothelioma
is a very rare cancer, and the vast majority of cases are associated with
exposure to asbestos (either its production or use in
various industries). In fact, because
asbestos
is used so widely in the building and other industries, even in those cases
where a history of asbestos exposure is not evident, it is likely that the
victim was exposed without his/her knowledge. Other risk factors that are
associated with malignant
mesothelioma
less often include:
- Radiation. Cases of
malignant
mesothelioma
have been reported after exposure to radiation, but the association is not
very strong. The use of Thorotrast (thorium dioxide), a radioactive
substance used for 'contrast' x-ray studies in millions of people between
1930 and 1955, has also been associated with malignant
mesothelioma
(particularly peritoneal mesothelioma).
- Polio vaccine. Between
1955 and 1963, some batches of polio vaccine were contaminated with the
Simian Virus 40, which has been detected in certain rare cancers,
including malignant mesothelioma.
- Erionite. This is a
type of zeolite silica stone containing fibrous/wool-like strands that is
widely used for house construction in the Cappadocian region of Turkey,
where ~1% of the population dies from malignant mesothelioma each year.
- Chronic pleural disease.
In one study of 35 patients with malignant mesothelioma, 3 had evidence of
long-term pleural tuberculosis, but not of asbestos exposure.
Note that smoking tobacco does not
appear to increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma in those
exposed to asbestos. However, smoking does greatly increase the risk of
developing bronchogenic lung cancer (i.e. arising in the breathing
tubes/airways).
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