Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos, which is an amalgamation of fibrous silicate mineral is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. Workers who work with asbestos typically develop mesothelioma following inhalation of the tiny fibres that get stuck in the lung 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
They search for a body to multiply and enter. They are tiny pieces genetic material. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot exist on their own and must find one to survive. When a virus discovers an appropriate host it takes control of the cell's command center and copies itself. Eventually the virus has affected enough cells that the host is afflicted with symptoms of the infection.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma if the fibers penetrate and inflame thin tissue surrounding organs. It is most often seen in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but may also affect other parts of the chest cavity or abdominal cavity. In rare instances, asbestos fibers may get into the linings of the heart or tests.
The majority of those diagnosed with mesothelioma had heavy, direct occupational exposure to asbestos. This includes those working in construction, military and a myriad of other occupations like shipyard workers, electricians, and mechanics. People can also be exposed indirectly through clothing or equipment used by family members who work in asbestos.
There are some alternative etiologies of mesothelioma. These include certain diseases and genetic predisposition. However, these are rarely thought of as major causes of mesothelioma. In fact, the majority of mesotheliomas not associated with asbestos are uninvolved (idiopathic) tumors. Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. Symptoms of mesothelioma often are not evident until 30 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. In North America, most pleural mesotheliomas, and a small percentage of peritoneal mesotheliomas can be attributed to asbestos. In Europe the proportion of mesotheliomas that are attributed to asbestos is significantly more. However, it's not clear the reason for this.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that covers many internal organs, typically the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less frequently the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Other causes are possible, but they are not generally considered to be significant causes of this rare cancer.
Asbestos is a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. They were extensively used in the construction industry before being banned for safety reasons in the late 1970s. Asbestos exposure can happen through water, air or food. The most vulnerable to being exposed include 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 more frequently the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). The irritation can last for a long time and eventually cause DNA damage in cells, which in turn transforms into mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in those who were exposed to asbestos while working. People most likely to have been exposed include those working in manufacturing and construction jobs where asbestos was used in the form of asbestos roofers or insulation installers. Military veterans and shipyard workers could also have been exposed to asbestos because of their work on or off naval ships or while fixing or maintaining equipment on military bases.
The mesothelioma symptoms aren't well understood and can resemble other conditions, therefore it is important to see your physician if you exhibit any signs or symptoms of this rare disease. If your doctor suspects you have mesothelioma, they will refer you to specialists to conduct further tests.
3. Genetics
Mesothelioma is most often caused by asbestos exposure, typically from exposure to asbestos in the workplace. It is also associated to other mineral exposures, like erionite or silica. The signs of mesothelioma could be seen between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure.
When exposed to asbestos the needle-like fibers may cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the lungs, which triggers mesothelioma's development. The mesothelioma cancer cells are generally malignant. They can cause breathlessness and chest pain, and weight loss.
Cancers arise when a sequence of genetic changes (mutations) happen in the cell DNA which usually tells cells how to grow and behave. The cancer cells mutated by mutations multiply uncontrollably and form tumors. In the end, the abnormal cancer cells infiltrate and destroy healthy organs and tissue. mesothelioma causes besides asbestos does not make an exception.
Although scientists aren't able to pinpoint exactly what causes mesothelioma, they have theories. One theory is that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by specific substances or radiations used in the manufacturing of asbestos products. Another theory is that asbestos-related mutations are caused by the presence of the virus SV40 in the bloodstream of people who work with asbestos.
It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma specialist any asbestos-related exposure history. Asbestos-related mesothelioma could exhibit symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This makes it difficult for oncologists in general to recognize this type of cancer. Specialists in mesothelioma can carry out specific tests to identify this condition. Imaging scans can be used by mesothelioma experts to determine the type of cancer and how it has progressed.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the tissues that surround certain organs. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is that of the lining around the lung. Other types of mesothelioma may occur in the linings around the heart or abdomen. The testicles may also be affected by mesothelioma (mesothelioma tunica vaginalis).
People are the most at risk for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers can float for long periods in the air, making it easy to breathe in and swallow. The fibers can irritate the organ's linings and alter their DNA and cause tumors that could be malignant (cancerous).
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. The symptoms of chest pain or a shortness of breathe are often mistaken for other ailments. General oncologists often misdiagnose mesothelioma due to their ignorance of the disease and its distinctive symptoms. Patients should seek the referral of mesothelioma specialists to ensure they receive the highest quality of care possible.
Asbestos exposure is the one known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used in the past to provide insulation, fireproofing, and other purposes. Workers in factories that employed asbestos were exposed to dust and fibers while on the job. Those exposed included plumbers and electricians and factory workers, painters, shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace most commonly occurs when someone brings home asbestos fibers on their clothing, shoes and hair, as well as skin and hair from work. Families of workers who were exposed to a lot of asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma too. Mesothelioma patients have said that their families have experienced a general feeling of being unwell or mesothelioma symptoms like 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 may be more susceptible to mesothelioma, for example, if they have a genetic predisposition to cancer or have other conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma are exposure to other toxic substances such as radiation and chemicals and also being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma is also caused by an alteration in the gene. However it is a less frequent cause.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other illnesses and disorders which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease. Because of this, mesothelioma is frequently incorrectly diagnosed. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled, and then travel through the pleura (the lung's lining). This irritation can result in the formation of abnormal cancer cells in the pleura. If the tumors grow they could enlarge the lung tissue and cause pain, along with other signs like breathlessness or difficulty breathing.
It is essential to speak with a specialist as soon as possible if you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Specialists can determine if symptoms are related to mesothelioma or other ailments. They may also suggest tests to check for the presence of cancerous cells. This could include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They may also refer you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatments. Mesothelioma treatments that are specific to mesotheliom the prognosis of patients. The type of mesothelioma will determine the best treatment method.