Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of silicate minerals that are fibrous. Workers who work with asbestos frequently develop mesothelioma after inhaling the tiny fibres that become lodged in the lung and cause damage over time.
A small, but significant portion of mesothelioma has no connection to asbestos. They typically occur in younger patients, or in women.
1. Infections Viral
The virus is looking for a host to multiply and enter. They are tiny pieces genetic material. Like bacteria, viruses are not able to survive on their own. They need an environment to survive. When a virus discovers a host it will take control of the cell's command center and creates copies of itself. Eventually the virus has affected enough cells that the host is afflicted with symptoms of the infection.
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure when the fibers penetrate and inflame the thin tissue that surrounds organs. It is most often seen in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but may be affected in 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 patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have extensive, direct exposure to asbestos. This includes people in construction, military and a variety of other occupations like shipyard workers, electricians and mechanics. It is also possible for individuals to be exposed through indirect means through the clothes or equipment worn by their loved ones who work with asbestos.
There are many alternative causes of mesothelioma. This includes certain viruses and genetic predisposition. They are not generally considered to be significant causes of mesothelioma. In fact, most mesotheliomas that are not associated with asbestos are spontaneous (idiopathic) tumors. Asbestos exposure remains the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until 30 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. In North America, asbestos is responsible for the majority of pleural as well as mesotheliomas in the peritoneal area. In Europe asbestos is a major contributor to mesotheliomas. It's not known the reason for this.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many internal organs, most commonly the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less frequently the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). The exposure to asbestos is the most common mesothelioma causing factor. Other causes may be involved but aren't generally considered to be significant causes of this rare cancer.
Asbestos is a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers. mesothelioma causes besides asbestos were extensively used in construction before being snubbed due to safety concerns in the late 1970s. The exposure to asbestos can happen through the air, water or food. The most vulnerable to asbestos exposure are miners, shipyard and other tradespeople in the construction industry, contractors, remodelers and asbestos manufacturers.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura) or more often, the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). The irritation can last for a long time and eventually cause DNA damage in cells, which in turn mutates to mesothelioma tumours.
Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in those who were exposed to asbestos on the job. The most likely to be exposed are those who work in construction and manufacturing jobs that use asbestos, for example asbestos installers and roofers. Shipyard workers and veterans could also have been exposed to asbestos due to their jobs on or off naval vessels, or while repairing or maintaining equipment on military bases.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease which has symptoms that are not fully understood. They can also be mistaken for other conditions. It is essential to speak with your doctor whenever any of these symptoms are present. If your doctor suspects mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist for further testing.
3. Genetics
The majority of the time asbestos exposure is the primary reason for mesothelioma. It is most often seen at work. However, it has been linked to different types of mineral exposure such as silica and Erionite. It can take between 20 to 60 years following initial exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to manifest.
When exposed to asbestos the needle-like fibers may cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). This can lead to a buildup on the lungs of fluid, which can lead to mesothelioma. The mesothelioma tumor cells are typically malignant. They can cause breathlessness, pain in the chest, 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 cancer cells mutated by mutations grow exponentially and create tumors. Ultimately, the abnormal cancer cells invade and destroy healthy organs and tissue. Mesothelioma is not an exception.
Researchers aren't yet able to pinpoint the specific cause of mesothelioma, however, they have theories. One theory is that the asbestos-related DNA mutations happen because of certain radiation or chemicals employed in the manufacture of asbestos products. Another theory states that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by SV40 virus that is found in bloodstreams of asbestos workers.
It is essential to discuss any history of asbestos exposure with mesothelioma specialists. The symptoms of mesothelioma associated with asbestos are similar to the symptoms of other conditions and diseases that make it difficult for general oncologists to diagnose this type of cancer. Mesothelioma specialists can conduct specialized testing to diagnose this condition. For instance mesothelioma specialists can utilize imaging scans to determine if the cancer has progressed and what type it is.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the tissues that surround certain organs. The most frequent type of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lung (pleura). Other mesothelioma types can occur in the linings of the heart or abdomen. The testicles are also affected by mesothelioma (mesothelioma tunica vaginalis).
People who are at greatest risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers can float in the air for a long time which makes them easy to breathe in or consume. They can irritate organ linings and cause DNA mutations that can lead to tumors.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not manifest until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. Symptoms like chest pain or a lack of ability to breathing are often mistaken for other conditions. General oncologists are often wrongly diagnosed with mesothelioma because of their ignorance of the disease and its symptoms. Patients should seek the referral of mesothelioma specialists to ensure they receive the best treatment possible.
Asbestos is the sole mesothelioma cause that has been proved. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used for insulation, fireproofing and other purposes in the past. Workers in factories that employed asbestos were exposed to dust and fibers while on the job. The workers exposed included plumbers, electricians as well as factory employees, painters, shipyard workers, construction crews, and veterans.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace typically occurs when someone brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes and hair, as well as skin and hair from the workplace. Family members of workers who were heavily exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well. Mesothelioma patients have reported that family members have experienced mesothelioma symptoms like a general feeling unwell or breath shortness, fluid buildup in the lung (pleural effusion) and swelling of the scrotum.
5. Smoking
There are many people who are exposed asbestos, but don't develop mesothelioma. This suggests that other factors may be involved. One may be more susceptible to mesothelioma, for example in the event that they inherit a predisposition genetic to cancer or have other conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to other toxic materials, including chemicals and radiation and being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma can be caused by the mutation of a gene although this is far less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may appear similar to other disorders and illnesses which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because of this. The only method to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis is to perform an in-person biopsy.
When inhaled, asbestos fibers can travel through the lungs' lining or pleura, and cause irritation. This irritation could lead to the development of abnormal cancer cells in the pleura. If the tumors continue to grow, they can grow larger and compress the lung tissue, causing discomfort and other signs like breath shortness or difficulty breathing.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to see a specialist right away. They can assist in determining whether the symptoms are linked to mesothelioma or to other diseases. They can also suggest tests to determine the presence of cancerous cell. These can include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They may also refer you to a specialist in mesothelioma treatment. Specialized mesothelioma treatment can enhance the outlook of patients. The type of mesothelioma that is diagnosed will determine the best treatment approach.