Mesothelioma - What Causes It?
Mesothelioma affects the organ's linings. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos strands can get into the lungs or abdomen and attach to mesothelial cell membranes.
Most at risk are those with a history occupational asbestos exposure like miners, shipbuilders and construction workers electricians, plumbers, and renovators of older homes. Families of asbestos-exposed individuals are also at a higher risk of risk.
Asbestos Exposure
The majority of mesothelioma cases result from exposure to asbestos, commonly employed in construction and other industries up to the end of the 20th century. After toxicological studies showed asbestos to be carcinogenic in the late 20th century, developed countries began to regulate or outright ban asbestos (Europe, Australia).
Asbestos is a group of minerals composed of microscopic fibers that are extremely strong resistant to heat and fire. When disturbed the fibers are able to become airborne and enter the body through inhalation or swallowing. They may then get stuck in the mesothelium which is lining the lungs, the heart stomach, and other organs. This exposure usually happens over a lengthy period of time. The symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until decades after exposure.
The most frequent type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleura that affects the lungs. In certain cases, it can also affect the chest, abdomen, or the testis. In the majority of cases, mesothelioma is caused by malignant (cancerous) mesothelial growth in the mesothelium. The reason for the mutation in these cells isn't yet understood.
Workers who were exposed to asbestos are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. People who worked in mines or shipyards or have handled or installed asbestos-containing products, like insulation or roofing or manual labor that resulted in contact with asbestos, are at risk. The inhalation of asbestos dust can also occur at home. This is especially the case when you are renovating or repairing older buildings.
A family history of mesothelioma increases an individual's risk for the disease, and so does the smoking habits of a person. Mesothelioma is also more likely to happen in those who are genetically predisposed to cancer.
Asbestos patients typically develop mesothelioma when they are in their 50s,60s or 70s. However, some patients have been diagnosed as early as their 30s and 1940s. They are typically men who were exposed to asbestos at work. About a third to half of mesothelioma sufferers are veterans who were exposed to asbestos in ships, bases and during construction. A small portion of patients also were exposed to talc which is a naturally occurring mineral.
Genetics
Many asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, have a genetic component. Scientists aren't sure what causes it, but mutations in genes play an important role in the development of this cancer. Mutations alter the gene's code creating a protein that controls cell growth, division and death. Mutations allow cells to develop cancer. Asbestos irritates cells and damages their DNA, causing mesothelioma growth.
The mesothelium is an extremely thin layer that covers the majority of your internal organs. Three out of four cases start in the lungs, but it can also manifest in the abdomen, or around the testicles and the heart. It is uncommon mesothelioma that is not confined to the lungs to occur, but it does happen.
Researchers have investigated the connection between mesothelioma, genetics and family clusters following the observation of this condition. In one instance, four members of a family died of mesothelioma malignancy. Scientists believe that genetic factors could be the cause for each of the deceased. Each had a past involving asbestos exposure.
A mesothelioma-related gene, BAP1, is often mutated in patients with this disease. This gene regulates the body's ability to self-regulate, and kill cancerous cells. When mutated, it allows cancerous mesothelioma cells to grow out of control and spread to other areas of the body.
Patients suffering from this type of cancer are also prone to mutations in NF2, another mesothelioma-related gene. This gene regulates how a protein known as PD-L1 interacts with the immune system. Mutations of the cancerous gene cause it to cause PD-L1 to overexpress. This reduces the immune system's ability to fight mesothelioma.
Certain patients are affected by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It could be due to the patient's age and the location to which they were exposed. The older a person was when they were exposed to asbestos, the more likely they will be to receive mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the fact that it takes between 20 and 40 years for the disease to develop. Additionally, women are more likely to have a better mesothelioma treatment prognosis than males.
Smoking
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that protects most internal organs. Untreated, mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer can be fatal.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma and it is most often the case when asbestos fibers are breathed into the lungs. Asbestos fibers can get stuck in the pleura, the liner of the chest cavity and the lungs. In time, these fibers irritate the pleura and cause DNA changes that lead to the formation of abnormal cancer cells.
The cancer cells multiply rapidly and grow into an uncontrollable tumor. This is the primary mesothelioma symptom. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. As the cancer grows, it spreads to other organs, and most commonly the lungs. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdomen and heart (peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma).
In the past asbestos was utilized for its durability and strength. It also has a high resistance to fire. Certain occupations, like industrial workers, construction workers and military veterans who are exposed to these materials have a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is one of the minerals with thin microscopic fibers that resist to heat and don't conduct electricity. It is a naturally-occurring mineral that has been extracted and used in a variety of industries.
Researchers have discovered that chrysotile and amphibole asbestos, and erionite raise the mesothelioma threat. It isn't known how the types of asbestos and exposure levels impact the development of mesothelioma.
While mesothelioma does not have a cure, treatment options help patients manage the symptoms and prolong their lives. Doctors treat mesothelioma with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. They also provide support for the patient and their families. The goal is to provide comfort for as long as possible while extending life and helping patients achieve their treatment goals. Some patients are able to achieve remarkable survival rates. Mesothelioma survivors are an inspiration to others facing this illness.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is composed of fibers that are strong and resistant to heat. The fibers can float in air for a long time, making it easy to breathe them in or consume them unintentionally. The asbestos-containing particles can irritate organ linings, and can cause cancer. The lungs are the most common mesothelioma site however, it can also be found in the abdomen, the heart or the testes.
Asbestos causes mesothelioma by affecting the DNA of cells that form the what are symptoms of mesothelioma lining of body organs. The mutations that cause cancer can cause tumors to grow and expand. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a long period of latency between asbestos exposure and symptoms.
People who are at the highest risk of mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Workers who handle asbestos in the workplace, such as boiler workers electricians, shipbuilders and electricians have the highest risk of mesothelioma. Blue-collar workers who came in contact with asbestos at work before federal regulations were enacted in the 1970s may also be at risk of developing mesothelioma. People were exposed to mesothelioma via exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources. These cases involve loved ones who brought home the fibers on their hair, clothing or shoes from workplaces.
Veterans are also at a higher risk of mesothelioma. The military has employed asbestos extensively in the construction of ships, vehicles and armor. There are various kinds of asbestos used by the military. However, chrysotile has been linked to mesothelioma.
Other risk factors for mesothelioma comprise radiation exposure and genetics. BAP1 gene mutations increase the risk of mesothelioma, and other diseases. The gene regulates the growth of cells and may help in preventing the growth of tumors. The risk of mesothelioma developing is also increased by exposure to thorium oxide, a radioactive substance that was used with X-rays during imaging tests between 1920 and 1950. The BAP1 gene mutation is also linked to melanoma in the eye and on the skin.