Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma?
Like all cancers, mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases. However the early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve a patient's prognosis.
Asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos is one of the minerals that are able to break down into thin, long fibers. Asbestos fibres can become stuck in certain organs when inhaled or consumed.
Exposure to Asbestos
The most well-established mesothelioma-related cause is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral made up of strong, microscopic fibers. It was extensively used in vehicles, buildings and a variety of construction equipment in the 1930s through the early 1980s because it was resistant to fire, water and sound. The producers of asbestos-based materials were aware that it was harmful to health, but they did not inform the public.
The greatest exposure risk was for those who worked directly with or handled asbestos-containing products. Mining and shipbuilding, asbestos removal and other industrial jobs exposed workers to huge amounts of asbestos. Workers also came into contact with asbestos to asbestos through the use of household products, such as shingles pipes, glues, and talcum powder. In the United States, chrysotile asbestos is the most frequently employed. However, other kinds of asbestos, like amosite and crocidolite, also have been linked to mesothelioma.
The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident for a long time after asbestos exposure. When symptoms begin to manifest it is possible for the disease to advance and become fatal. Symptoms most often affect the lung (pleural mesothelioma) but can occur in the lining of the stomach and testicles, or in the heart.
When asbestos fibers are swallowed or inhaled they adhere to the cells that connect the body's organs and tissues. This causes genetic mutations that result in cancer. The mutated cells grow uncontrollably and develop tumors.
Workers in industries where asbestos is present more often are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. Those at greatest risk are those who held blue-collar jobs or served in the military. Women who were exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma. This is especially true in the case of relatives who were exposed at work.
Secondary exposure can happen when a person at risk of mesothelioma is exposed to asbestos-containing fibres on their clothing and clothes. This has been the case for spouses of people exposed to asbestos, as well as some hairdressers and ceramics workers. Some studies have revealed that a mineral called erionite, which is similar to asbestos, increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. However it has not been confirmed by other studies.
Exposure to Minerals
The cells that line the chest (pleura) the abdominal cavity, and other body parts undergo a change. Mesothelioma could also occur in the linings of the heart (pericardium), or testicles. The condition is usually linked to asbestos exposure but other causes can also be responsible.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is made up of microscopic and strong fibers. It was used in construction materials, automobile brakes, and a variety of other products from the 1930s through the 1980s, due to its resistance to water, fire and sound. A lot of people working employed in the construction industry or military were exposed. Workers who handle and remove asbestos are at a higher risk of breathing in dangerous particles.
The risk of mesothelioma is different based on the position however any exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing the illness. is mesothelioma only caused by asbestos is associated with many different occupations, but it most typically is a problem for miners, millers and shipyard workers, as well as asbestos producers. It has been observed in workers in the production line of aircraft and automobiles and also in those that sand or handle insulation.
The onset of mesothelioma generally slow, however it could take anywhere from 20 to 60 years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. It is crucial for everyone to talk to an expert on mesothelioma even if they've never worked with asbestos. The earlier cancer is diagnosed the simpler it will be treated.
In the past, mesothelioma wasn't diagnosed until it had progressed. Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer, so doctors may overlook symptoms like persistent coughing or difficulty breathing.
Asbestos was eliminated in the 1980s. However, those who were part of the military or worked in industrial jobs before then are still at a higher risk for mesothelioma. Researchers have recently discovered other types of mineral exposure which increase the risk of mesothelioma. For instance, a substance called erionite is found in the soil of a few areas in Turkey and is used to make materials in the area. In studies of the local population heavily exposed to erionite men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma. In Italy the same phenomenon has been observed with respect to another mineral known as fluoroedenite.
Genetics
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the mesothelium. It is most commonly located in the lining of the chest cavity, but it can also affect the tissue around the heart, abdomen and testicles.
Doctors have linked mesothelioma to a gene mutation known as BAP1. This gene regulates a process that puts calcium inside cells. And when it's mutated, a person is much more likely to develop cancerous cells. Researchers have discovered that BAP1 mutations are present in 70 percent of patients who have mesothelioma. This has made mesothelioma much easier to diagnose and increased screening, particularly for people with family history.
Researchers have also identified other genetic mutations which may lead to the development of mesothelioma. These mutations have made it easier for mesothelioma specialists to better know the disease and better treat it.
Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. Genetics also play a part. Some people exposed to asbestos do not develop cancer, but others with no genetic predisposition may develop mesothelioma after a long period of exposure. Secondary exposure, also known as paraoccupational exposure, may occur when a person's asbestos-exposed coworkers spill the fibers on their clothes and skin.
In some instances mesothelioma can be found in families due to a combination of genetics as well as asbestos exposure. However, the majority of mesothelioma cases are random and do not appear to have any family history of the disease.
Asbestos-related mesothelioma can be a serious and complicated illness, but research continues to make amazing advancements in the treatment and recovery options for patients. Asbestos is now banned in a number of countries across the globe and researchers are advancing mesothelioma treatments with better drugs, more targeted surgeries and more efficient diagnostic tests. To find out more about these recent advances, request a free copy of the Mesothelioma Guide. This comprehensive guide contains an extensive list of treatments for mesothelioma, including the latest clinical trials and promising alternative treatments. Download the guide by filling in our online form or by calling directly.
Lifestyle
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the cells that line certain parts of the body, such as the lungs or abdomen. The lining of your chest cavity (the Pleura) is where most mesothelioma cases start. However, it could begin in the lining of the abdomen and heart (the Pericardium).
While asbestos exposure is a major risk factor but other factors, such as gender or age can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Some of these risk factors, like smoking or a person’s gender can change, whereas others, like age or family history, are not.
Most mesothelioma patients are related to someone else who has the disease and who has been exposed to asbestos for a lengthy time. People diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma typically older than 45 and the majority of patients suffering from mesothelioma of the peritoneal region are older than 65. This is because it takes mesothelioma years to develop, and the symptoms may begin to manifest as an older person.
A biopsy is among the tests that doctors use to determine if pleural mesothelioma is present. Other tests include the CT scan, FDG-positron emission tomography and a CT scan. A biopsy involves removing some of the tissue for examination under a microscope, and can be performed using VATS (Video-assisted surgical thoracoscopic procedure) which is a kind of keyhole surgery; or a needle guided by an CT scan.
Doctors can also test a patient's blood for a genetic mutation known as BAP1. This is an error in the gene that inhibits tumour growth and makes someone more susceptible to developing malignancies caused by environmental contaminants. People who have this mutation are more likely to develop mesothelioma even after experiencing relatively low levels of asbestos exposure. Additionally, they have less time to develop the disease than those who do not have the genetic mutation. However, researchers don't yet know how common this mutation is in the general population or whether it can be cured by lifestyle choices such as avoiding exposure to harmful substances. This is a research area that is currently in progress.