HOW DID I GET IT?

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma results from breathing microscopic asbestos fibers into the lungs. When breathed into the lungs, asbestos tears the lung tissue. Because asbestos was very inexpensive, asbestos was used as a filler in many different products. For example, asbestos was used in cements, drywall muds, brake and clutch linings, roof shingles, gaskets, flooring products, paints, textiles and insulation. The fibers cause the lungs to form scar tissue again and again (asbestosis) or can cause lung cancer. If asbestos fibers damage mesothelial tissue, it may lead to mesothelioma.

Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, studies show that someone who was a smoker and was exposed to asbestos, is more likely to suffer from mesothelioma than a non-smoker.

Generally, it takes 20 to 50 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or mesothelioma is diagnosed. This time is called the "latency" period.

Mesothelioma is a serious disease. Half of the patients diagnosed at an early stage and treated aggressively live two years from the date of the diagnosis. One in five are still alive five years after diagnosis. Some patients live more than five years after diagnosis, but generally only if they have been diagnosed at an early date.