Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of silicate minerals that are fibrous. People who work with asbestos often develop mesothelioma after inhaling the tiny fibers, which become lodged in the lungs and cause long-term damage.
However, a small but significant portion of mesothelioma cases are not related to asbestos. These are typically found in younger patients, or in women.
1. Viral Infections
Viruses are tiny pieces of genetic material that search for a host to enter and multiply within. Viruses, unlike bacteria, cannot survive on their own. They must find an environment to survive. Once a virus finds an appropriate host, it takes over the cell's command center and copies itself. In the end, the virus infects enough cells to trigger symptoms.
Asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma when the fibers penetrate and inflame the thin tissue that surrounds organs. It is usually found in the lungs but can also occur in other areas of the chest or abdomen cavity. In rare instances, asbestos fibers may reach the tissues of the heart and testes.
The majority of mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos through their work. This includes people working in the military, construction and a range of other professions such as shipyard workers, electricians and mechanics. It's also possible for workers to be exposed indirectly through the clothes or equipment worn by their loved ones who are exposed to asbestos.
There are many other causes of mesothelioma like certain genetic predisposition and viruses. However, these are rarely thought of as major causes of mesothelioma. The majority of mesotheliomas are Idiopathic (spontaneous) tumors. Asbestos is the most frequent cause of malignant mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until 30 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure. In North America, most pleural mesotheliomas and a small number of peritoneal mesotheliomas are related to asbestos. In Europe, the proportion of mesotheliomas attributed to asbestos is more. It's not known the reason for this.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many organs. It is most often affecting the lung linings and the abdomen. The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. While there are other causes that could be involved, they are generally not considered significant factors for developing this rare cancer.
Asbestos is one of the minerals made up of microscopic fibers that were used extensively in the construction industry before being banned for safety reasons in late 1970s. Asbestos is a risk to be exposed to the air, water or food items. The most vulnerable to being exposed include miners, shipyard workers, and other tradespeople in the building industry as well as remodelers and contractors of old buildings or businesses, and asbestos manufacturers.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura) or, less often, the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). The irritation can last for a long time and eventually damage DNA in the cells, which later mutates to mesothelioma tumours.
Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in those who were exposed to asbestos while working. Those most likely to have been exposed are those in construction and manufacturing jobs that required asbestos in the form of asbestos roofers or insulation installers. Military veterans and shipyard workers might be exposed to asbestos because of their jobs on or off naval ships or while fixing or maintaining equipment on bases for military.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition that has symptoms that are not fully understood. They are also mistaken for other conditions. It is crucial to consult your physician whenever any of these symptoms appear. If your doctor suspects you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further tests.
3. Genetics
Most of the time asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma. It usually happens at work. However, it has been linked to other types of mineral exposure, such as silica and erionite. The signs of mesothelioma could be noticed between 20 and 60 year after the initial exposure.
The needle-like fibers of asbestos can cause irritation to the lining (pleura) of the lung. This can cause an accumulation of fluid on the lungs which causes mesothelioma's development. The mesothelioma cells are typically malignant and can trigger various symptoms, including shortness of breath, pain in the chest wall and weight loss.
Cancer develops when a series genetic changes (mutations), which normally instruct cells on how to behave and grow, take place in the DNA of the cell. The cells that have been altered begin to multiply out of control and grow into tumors. The abnormal cancer cells eventually take over healthy tissues and organs. Mesothelioma is not an exception.
Researchers aren't able to determine the mesothelioma's exact cause, however they do have a few theories. One theory is that the asbestos-related mutations in DNA occur because of certain radiation or chemicals that are used in the production of asbestos products. Another theory states that asbestos-related DNA mutations result from SV40 virus that is found in bloodstreams of asbestos workers.
It is important to talk to a mesothelioma expert about any asbestos-related exposure history. Asbestos-related mesothelioma can be characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This makes it difficult for general oncologists to diagnose this cancer type. Specialists in mesothelioma can perform specific tests to identify this disease. Imaging scans are used by mesothelioma experts to determine the type of cancer and the way it has been able to spread.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a result of the growth of tissues that surround certain organs. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is the lining surrounding the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma occur in the abdomen's lining or the heart. The testicles can also be affected by mesothelioma (mesothelioma tunica vaginalis).
Exposure to asbestos at work is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos particles can float in the air for a long time and are therefore easy to inhale or ingest. These fibers can cause irritation to organ linings and trigger DNA mutations, leading to tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. The symptoms of chest pain or a lack of ability to breathing are often mistaken for other ailments. General oncologists are frequently incorrectly diagnosed with mesothelioma because of their lack of understanding of the disease and its symptoms. Patients should request a referral to mesothelioma specialists in order to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Asbestos is the only mesothelioma cause that has been proved. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used in the past for insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes. Workers at factories that used asbestos were exposed to fibers and dust on the job. They were exposed to asbestos by plumbers and electricians and factory workers, painters shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans.
The most common exposure to asbestos in the workplace is often when a person brings asbestos fibers back from the workplace and smears them on their skin, clothing or hair. The mesothelioma risk is also higher for family members of asbestos-exposed workers. Mesothelioma patients have reported that their families have experienced a general feeling of being sick or mesothelioma-related symptoms such as breathing problems and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) and swelling in the scrotum (hydrocele).
5. Smoking
Many people who have been exposed to asbestos do not develop mesothelioma which suggests that there are other causes. A person could be more susceptible to mesothelioma, as an example when they inherit a predisposition genetic to cancer or any other condition that increase the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma are exposure to harmful substances such as chemicals and radiation and viral infections. Mesothelioma is also caused by an alteration in the gene. However this is a less common cause.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear similar to other illnesses and disorders which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because of this. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can pass through the lungs' lining, or pleura, and cause irritation. This irritation can lead abnormal cancer cells to form in the pleura. If the tumors grow, they can compress the lung tissue and cause pain, as well as other symptoms like breathlessness or breathing difficulties.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is essential to see an expert right away. They can assist in determining whether the symptoms are linked to mesothelioma or to other conditions. They may also recommend tests to determine the presence of cancerous cell. These can malignant mesothelioma causes include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They can also recommend you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatment. The specialized mesothelioma treatments available can significantly improve the outlook for patients. However, the most effective treatment strategy will be based on the type of mesothelioma.