Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive cancer that is difficult to both diagnose and treat. Between 2,000 and 3,000 cases of malignant mesothelioma are diagnosed each year. A significant amount of research has been conducted on potential mesothelioma causes.
The major known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers that are inhaled through the mouth and nose may eventually become embedded in the lining of the lungs, causing damage and resulting in lung cancer or asbestosis. It has also been found that swallowing asbestos fibers could contribute to a form of mesothelioma originating in the abdomen called Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
