According to the American Society, there are between 2,000 and 3,000 people diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the United States. There are four types of mesothelioma, depending on which are part of the body is affected. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart, peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdomen, mesothelioma of the tunica affects the testes, and pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs. One factor that can make matters worse is cigarette smoke.

One interesting study that addresses this issue is called, "Cigarette smoke, asbestos, and small irregular opacities." By Weiss W. - Am Rev Respir Dis. 1984 Aug;130(2):293-301.

Here is an excerpt: "The long-term inhalation of cigarette smoke is associated with the appearance of diffuse small irregular opacities of mild profusion on chest roentogenograms of some subjects in a limited number of reports. Human histologic and experimental animal studies have shown the presence of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis. The radiographic abnormalities may be explained by interstitial fibrosis, although bronchiolar wall thickening may also be involved. Because asbestos causes diffuse pulmonary fibrosis, the literature was reviewed for evidence concerning an interaction between cigarette smoke and asbestos in the frequency of pulmonary asbestosis. A majority of 14 prevalence studies and 7 cohort studies of asbestos workers with information on smoking habits have shown a positive interaction between the 2 agents. The interaction appears to be additive rather than synergistic. Smoking may exert an effect on the frequency of pulmonary asbestosis by increasing the effective fiber dose retained in the lungs through interference with clearance."

Another interesting study that delves into measuring the risks of asbestos exposure is called, "Epidemiology of asbestos-related tumors" by Newhouse M. - Semin Oncol. 1981 Sep;8(3):250-7. Here is an excerpt:

"Epidemiologic evidence has helped in defining and measuring the risks of asbestos exposure. Further investigations are required to confirm the differing carcinogenicity of the various types of asbestos and related fibers. The evidence relating crocidolite asbestos to malignancy is not universally accepted. Most standards for concentrations of asbestos in the air are currently being adopted and the proposed British standard is about to be reduced to 1 fiber per milliliter for chrysotile asbestos, 0.5 fiber per milliliter for amosite and is to remain at 0.2 fiber per milliliter for crocidolite asbestos. 37 Careful prospective studies are still required in order to evaluate the efficacy of these standards in the prevention of asbestos related diseases. In addition, further epidemiologic studies are necessary to determine the relationship between asbestos exposure, particularly the low level exposure, and its potential cocarcinogenic role with other carcinogens in the evolution of the wide spectrum of human malignancy."

Only by raising more public awareness about mesothelioma and link to asbestos exposure, can we ever hope to find a cure. Promoting public awareness is key to ensuring that medical research will continue. If you found either of these excerpts helpful, please read the studies in their entirety. This article should not be construed as medical or legal advice. If you believe that you have suffered as a result of asbestos exposure, you should consider getting a legal and medical opinion.