3...How did I get it?

Q: How did I get it? A: 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. 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 appears to be unrelated to mesothelioma injury. However, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure may increase the risk of other forms of cancer.Asbestos was used to make many different materials, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles and insulation. Particles released from any of these materials can be inhaled or carried home on clothing-- where they expose family members to the risk of mesothelioma.Generally, it takes 20 to 40 years from the time of asbestos exposure until symptoms appear or pleural 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. Many patients live more than five years after diagnosis.