Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
The exposure to asbestos, which is an amalgamation of silicate minerals that are fibrous is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. People who work with asbestos frequently develop mesothelioma following inhalation of the tiny fibers, which get stuck in the lungs and cause long-term damage.
A small, but significant portion of mesothelioma isn't related to asbestos. They are typically found in younger patients or in women.
1. Viral Infections
Viruses are tiny bits of genetic material that search for a host organism to enter and multiply. Like bacteria, viruses can't survive on their own, and must find a host to live. Once a virus has discovered a host cell, it gains control of the cell's command centre and copies itself. At some point the virus has affected enough cells that the host is afflicted with symptoms of infection.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma if the fibers are able to penetrate and inflame thin tissues surrounding organs. It is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also occur in other parts of the abdomen and chest cavity. In rare instances, asbestos fibers can reach the lining of the heart (pericardium) or the testes (mesothelioma of the peritoneum).
The majority of patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos through their occupation. This includes people in the military, construction and a range of other occupations like electricians, shipyard workers and mechanics. The risk of exposure is also to asbestos through clothing or equipment used by loved ones who work in asbestos.
There are many other causes of mesothelioma such as certain viruses and genetic predisposition. These are not usually considered to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. Most mesotheliomas are idiopathic (spontaneous) tumors. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma malignancy. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't manifest for a period of 30 to 50 years following asbestos exposure. In North America, most pleural mesotheliomas as well as a small amount of peritoneal mesotheliomas are related to asbestos. In Europe, the proportion of mesotheliomas attributed to asbestos is much greater. It's unclear why this is.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds numerous internal organs, the typically the lining of the lungs (pleura) and, less often, the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Exposure to asbestos is the main mesothelioma causing factor. While other possible causes exist, they are generally not considered to be significant causes for developing this rare cancer.
Asbestos is a class of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. They were extensively used in the construction industry before being banned for safety reasons in late 1970s. Asbestos can be exposed through water, air or food items. The most susceptible to asbestos exposure are shipyard workers, miners and other tradespeople in the construction industry contractors, remodelers, and asbestos manufacturers.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lung linings or abdomen (peritoneum) however less commonly. The irritation can last for years and can eventually cause damage to DNA in cells which can then transform into mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in those who were exposed to asbestos during their work. Those most likely to have been exposed are those working in manufacturing and construction jobs that required asbestos, such as asbestos roofers or insulation installers. Military veterans and shipyard workers may also have been exposed to asbestos because of their work on or off naval vessels, or while repairing or maintaining equipment on bases of the military.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease that has symptoms that are not well understood. They can also be misinterpreted as other conditions. It is essential to consult your doctor when any of these symptoms appear. If your doctor suspects you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist to conduct further tests.
3. Genetics
Mesothelioma is most often caused by asbestos exposure, mostly due to exposure in the workplace. However, it has been linked to a few other types of mineral exposure, such as silica and erionite. The symptoms of mesothelioma can be noticed between 20 and 60 year after the initial exposure.
The needle-like asbestos fibres can cause irritation to the lining (pleura) of the lung. This can cause the accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes the onset of mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cell is typically malignant and can trigger many symptoms like shortness of breath and pain in the chest wall, and weight loss.
Cancer develops when a number of genetic changes (mutations) that normally tell cells how to behave and grow, occur in the DNA of the cell. The cells that have been altered begin to multiply beyond control and grow into tumors. In the end, the abnormal cancer cells invade and destroy healthy tissue and organs. Mesothelioma does not make an exception.
Although scientists aren't able to pinpoint exactly what causes mesothelioma, they do have some theories. One theory is that asbestos-related DNA mutations occur due to certain chemicals or radiation that are used in the production of asbestos products. Another theory suggests that asbestos-related DNA mutations result from SV40 virus found in the bloodstreams of asbestos workers.
It is important to talk to a mesothelioma expert about any history of asbestos exposure. Asbestos-related mesothelioma can be characterized by symptoms similar to other diseases or conditions. This makes it difficult for oncologists in general to diagnose this cancer type. Mesothelioma specialists can perform specialized tests to identify this disease. For example mesothelioma specialists can utilize imaging scans to see how the cancer has spread and what kind it is.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, develops in the tissues that surround certain organs. pleural mesothelioma causes of mesothelioma is one that affects the lining around the lung (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma may occur in the linings of the abdomen or the heart. Mesothelioma is also found in the testicles (mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis).
People are the most at risk for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers can float in the air for a long time, making them easy to breathe in or swallow. These fibers can irritate organ linings and cause DNA mutations, leading to tumors.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear until 20 to 60 years after the first exposure. Symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath are often mistaken as other ailments. General oncologists are often incorrectly diagnosed with mesothelioma owing to their ignorance of the disease and its symptoms. Patients should request a referral to mesothelioma specialists to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care possible.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was used in the past to provide insulation as well as fireproofing and other reasons. In factories, workers who used asbestos were subjected to dust and fibers while on the job. Electricians and plumbers were among those who were exposed, as well as painters, factory workers, shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans.
Occupational exposure to asbestos is most often experienced when a person brings asbestos fibers home to be absorbed by their shoes, clothing or hair and skin from their job. Family members of workers who were heavily exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, too. Mesothelioma patients have reported that their family members have had mesothelioma-related symptoms, such as an overall feeling of unwellness or breath shortness and fluid accumulation in the lung (pleural effusion) and swelling of the scrotum.
5. Smoking
There are a number of people who are exposed asbestos, but don't develop mesothelioma. This suggests that other factors may be at play. For instance one could be more likely to develop mesothelioma when they are genetically predisposed to cancer or another condition that increases the risk of developing mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to other harmful substances, including chemicals and radiation, as well as being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma can also be caused by the mutation of a gene, although this is far less common.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other disorders and diseases. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as a result of this. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers may travel through the lining of the lungs or pleura, and cause irritation. This irritation can result in the formation of cancerous cells that are not normal in the pleura. If the tumors develop, they can compress the lung tissue and cause pain, along with other signs such as 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 related to mesothelioma or to other ailments. They can also recommend tests to determine the presence of cancerous cells. These can include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They can also refer you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatment. The specialized mesothelioma treatments available can significantly improve the outlook for patients. The type of mesothelioma will determine the best treatment method.