Mesothelioma Misconceptions, Mesotheliom lung cancer.

When a cancer is relatively rare and unknown by many, misconceptions and myths may develop that many come to believe are factual. Below you will find a detailed list of common mesothelioma misconceptions and factual explanations to address the myths.
 Myth: Mesothelioma is only a concern for those extensively exposed to asbestos.

Any amount of asbestos exposure, no matter how small and seemingly insignificant, can be a health hazard. Exposure to a small amount of asbestos fibers can still cause the development of mesothelioma. This myth likely originated because a large amount of those diagnosed with the cancer worked with asbestos frequently, and were exposed to asbestos on the job or during military service where asbestos use was prevalent.
Myth: Mesothelioma is a lung cancer.

Though mesothelioma commonly affects the pleural lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma), the cancer is not a lung cancer. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, a membrane that lines many body organs and cavities, including the lungs, the abdominal cavity and the heart sac.
Myth: Smoking causes mesothelioma.

Smoking does not cause mesothelioma. However, smoking severely weakens the lungs and decreases the body’s ability to expel asbestos fibers once they become lodged in organs and body cavities where they can cause inflammation and infection. This can lead to the development of mesothelioma.