Mesothelioma - What Causes It?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs within the body. Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos strands that are loose can enter the abdomen and lungs, and stick to sensitive mesothelial cells.
People with an history of occupational asbestos exposure are most at risk, such as miners, shipbuilders, plumbers, construction workers, electricians and remodelers of older homes. Family members of those exposed to asbestos are also at an increased risk.
Asbestos Exposure
Most mesothelioma cases are caused by exposure to asbestos, which was a common material employed in the construction industry and other fields until the latter half of the 20th century. This was the time when developed countries began to regulate (United States) or prohibit (Europe, Australia) asbestos after toxicological studies showed that it caused cancer.
Asbestos is one of the minerals composed of microscopic fibers that are extremely tough as well as fire-resistant, heat-resistant and. When they are damaged the fibers are able to become airborne and enter the body through inhalation or swallowing. They can then lodge in the mesothelium which is lining the lungs, the heart stomach, and other organs. The exposure typically occurs over a long time. The signs of mesothelioma typically do not manifest until years after exposure.
The most prevalent mesothelioma form affects the lung. In a few instances it can also affect the chest wall, abdomen or testis. Most mesothelioma cases involve a type of malignant (cancerous) mesothelial cells that grow in the mesothelium. The exact cause of the mutation in these cells isn't known.
Workers who have been exposed to asbestos are at highest chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes workers in shipyards, factories or mines and those who handled or installed asbestos-containing materials like roofing and insulation or manual work that brought them into direct contact with asbestos. The inhalation of asbestos dust can also happen at the home. This is particularly true when you are renovating or repairing older homes.
Smoking and a family history of the disease can increase the mesothelioma-related risk. A genetic predisposition for cancer could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Asbestos sufferers typically develop mesothelioma during their 50s, 60s, or 70s and some patients are diagnosed in their 30s and 40s. They are typically men who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Between one-third and half of mesothelioma patients are military veterans, who were exposed to asbestos at bases for military as well as on ships and during construction. A small portion of patients also were exposed to talc which is a naturally occurring mineral.
Genetics
Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related cancers have a genetic component. Scientists aren't certain how, but mutations in genes play a significant part in the development and spread of this cancer. Mutations alter the genetic code of a gene and create a protein that controls cell growth, division and death. Mutations enable cells to develop cancer. Asbestos damages DNA and irritates the cells, causing mesothelioma.
The mesothelium is an extremely thin layer that covers the majority of your internal organs. Three out of every four cases start in the lungs. However, it can also occur in the abdomen, or around the testicles and the heart. It is uncommon mesothelioma that is not confined to the lungs to develop however it can occur.
Researchers have studied the connection between mesothelioma and genetics following studying family clusters of the disease. In one instance, 4 members of a single family passed away of malignant mesothelioma. Researchers believe that hereditary factors may be the cause for each of the deceased. Each of them had a history of exposure to asbestos.
A mesothelioma-related gene, BAP1, is often found to be mutated in people suffering from this condition. This gene is responsible for controlling the body's ability to self-regulate and eliminate cancerous cells. When mutated, it allows mesothelioma cancerous cells to multiply out of control and spread to other parts of the body.
Patients suffering from this type of cancer are also susceptible to mutations in NF2, another mesothelioma-related gene. This gene regulates how a protein known as PD-L1 interacts the immune system. When mutated, the cancerous gene makes PD-L1 overexpress, which subdues the immune system's ability fight mesothelioma.
Certain patients are affected by a combination genetic and environmental factors. This could include a patient's age, their location when they were what causes mesothelioma exposed to asbestos, and what type of asbestos was used in their workplace. Typically, the older someone was when they were exposed to asbestos the more likely they will be to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. This is because mesothelioma can take between 20 and 40 years to develop. Additionally, women are more likely to have a better mesothelioma diagnosis than men.
Smoking
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin layer of tissue that protects most internal organs. Untreated, mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is often fatal.
Asbestos is the sole known cause for mesothelioma. It is caused when asbestos fibers are introduced into the lungs. Once inside the lungs, asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lining around the chest cavity and lungs known as the Pleura. As time passes the fibers cause irritation to the pleura and trigger DNA changes that can lead to the development of cancerous cells that are abnormal.
The cancer cells then expand beyond control, forming a tumor, which is the primary mesothelioma-related symptom. Other signs could include trouble breathing, chest pains and fatigue. As the cancer grows it can expand to other organs. Most commonly, this is the lung. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdomen as well as the heart (peritoneal or mesothelioma of the pericardial region).
In the past asbestos was utilized for its strength and durability. It also has a strong fire resistance. Workers who are that are exposed to asbestos such as industrial workers, construction workers and veterans of the military are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group minerals that have microscopic fibers. They are able to withstand heat, and are not conductive to electricity. It is a mineral that occurs naturally that was mined and used in a variety of industries.
Researchers have found that chrysotile asbestos as well as amphibole asbestos, and erionite raise the mesothelioma risk. It isn't known however, how asbestos types or levels affect the development of mesothelioma.
Although mesothelioma cannot be treated but there are options for treatment that can help patients manage their symptoms and prolong life. The treatment options for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. They also provide support for patients and their family members. The goal is to keep patients as comfortable as they can while helping them achieve their treatment goals and prolonging their life. Some patients have remarkable survival rates. Mesothelioma survivors are an inspiration to others facing this disease.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally composed of strong and heat-resistant fibers. The fibers can float in the air for extended periods, making them easy to inhale or take in unintentionally. The asbestos-containing fibers can cause irritation to organ linings and cause cancer. The lung is the most frequent mesothelioma site however it can be found in the abdomen, heart, or tests.
Asbestos can cause mesothelioma because it affects the DNA of the cells that line the organs of the body. The mutations that cause cancer can result in tumors that grow and expand. In contrast to other types of cancer, mesothelioma has a long latency period between exposure to asbestos and manifestation of symptoms.
The greatest mesothelioma threat comes from occupational asbestos exposure. The highest risk of mesothelioma occurs for those who work with asbestos at work like shipbuilders, electricians, boiler operators, and so on. However blue-collar jobs that required exposure to asbestos in the workplace prior to the enactment of federal regulations in the 1970s could also cause mesothelioma. People were also exposed to mesothelioma by exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources. These cases involve loved one's who brought home the fibers of their hair, clothing or shoes after working at a construction site.
Veterans are another group of people who are more at risk of mesothelioma. The military has used asbestos extensively in the construction of ships, vehicles and armor. There are a variety of asbestos used in the military. However Chrysotile is linked to mesothelioma.
Other risk factors for mesothelioma comprise radiation exposure and genetics. People with a specific gene mutation known as BAP1 have a higher chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other diseases that are related to this gene. The gene regulates cell growth and may help in preventing the growth of tumors. The risk of mesothelioma has also increased when exposed to the radioactive thorium oxide substance that was utilized with X-rays for imaging tests between 1920 to 1950. The BAP1 mutation is also associated with melanoma of the skin and eye.