Mesothelioma, Tobacco and Exposure to Asbestos Fibers, Continued

Wide particles are expected to be deposited in the upper respiratory tract and not to reach the lung and pleura, the sites of asbestos-induced toxicity.

Short, thin fibers, however, may also play a role in asbestos pathogenesis. Fibers of amphibole asbestos such as tremolite asbestos, actinolite asbestos, and crocidolite asbestos are retained longer in the lower respiratory tract than chrysotile fibers of similar dimension.

Individual risk factors, such as a person's history of tobacco use (smoking) and other pre-existing lung disease, etc.

Note, cigarette smoke and asbestos together significantly increase your chances of getting lung cancer.

Therefore, if you have been exposed to asbestos you should stop smoking.

This may be the most important action that you can take to improve your health and decrease your risk of cancer.