How It Spreads Mesotheliomas start in the membranes lining the chest (pleural cavity) or the membranes of the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum). They can extend within and beyond the cavity of origin and metastasize to other organs such as the lungs, the chest wall and abdominal organs such as the bowel.
What Causes It Inhalation of asbestos fibers is a primary cause. About 70,000 tons of asbestos are used in the United States each year, in cement, brake linings, roof shingles, insulation, flooring products and packing materials. Asbestos has also been found as a contaminant in talc, which is also associated with ovarian cancer. Many urban water reservoirs contain asbestos-like fibers and most public and private buildings contain asbestos. Only recently has the strong association between asbestos exposure and malignancy been recognized and appropriate industrial and health standards for exposure been put into effect.
