Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of silicate minerals that are fibrous, is the most common cause mesothelioma. People who breathe asbestos fibres are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
However, a tiny but substantial fraction of mesothelioma cases are not 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 to enter and multiply within. Viruses, unlike bacteria are not able to survive on their own. They need a host to survive. Once a virus finds a host, it takes over the cell's command center and makes copies of itself. At some point, enough cells are affected that the host develops symptoms of the infection.
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure when the fibers pierce and cause inflammation of the thin tissue that is around organs. It is most often seen in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) but it could also affect other areas of the chest cavity or abdominal cavity. In rare cases, 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 in their work. This includes people in construction, military and a variety of other occupations like shipyard workers, electricians and mechanics. The risk of exposure is also indirectly through clothing or equipment used by family members who work in asbestos.
There are other causes of mesothelioma such as certain genetic predisposition and viruses. However, they aren't seen as significant causes of mesothelioma. In fact, most mesotheliomas that do not have a connection with asbestos are spontaneous (idiopathic) tumors. Asbestos exposure is still the most frequent mesothelioma cause. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest for a period of 30 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. In North America, most pleural mesotheliomas, and a small percentage of peritoneal mesotheliomas can be attributed to asbestos. In Europe asbestos is the most significant contributor to mesotheliomas. It's not clear the reason for this.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that covers various internal organs, typically the lining of the lungs (pleura) and, less often, the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Other causes are possible, but they are not generally considered to be significant factors in developing this rare cancer.
Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibres and was extensively used in construction until it was banned in the late 1970s for safety reasons. Asbestos can be exposed to 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.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lung linings as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), but less commonly. The irritation can last for a long time and can eventually damage DNA in cells, which in turn develop into mesothelioma cancers.
Most often, mesothelioma affects those who have been exposed to asbestos while at work. Those most likely to have been exposed include those working in manufacturing and construction jobs that required asbestos in the form of asbestos roofers or insulation installers. Military veterans and shipyard workers might also have been exposed asbestos because of their jobs on or off naval vessels, or while repairing or maintaining equipment on bases for military.
The mesothelioma signs and symptoms aren't well understood and may resemble other conditions, so it is essential to consult your physician if you exhibit any symptoms or signs of this rare disease. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further testing.
3. Genetics
Most of the time asbestos exposure is the reason for mesothelioma. It is most often seen in the workplace. However, it has been linked to other types of mineral exposure such as silica and Erionite. The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 20 and 60 year after the initial exposure.
The needle-like asbestos fibres can irritate the lining (pleura) of the lung. This can result in an accumulation of lung of fluid, which can lead to mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cancer cells are usually malignant. They can cause breathing problems, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, and weight loss.
Cancer develops when a series genetic changes (mutations) that normally tell cells 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 form tumors. The cancerous cells that are abnormal eventually infiltrate and destroy healthy organs and tissues. Mesothelioma does not make an exception.
While researchers do not know the exact cause of mesothelioma they do have some theories. One theory is that asbestos-related DNA mutations occur because of certain chemicals or radiations used in the manufacturing of asbestos products. Another theory states that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by SV40 virus found in the bloodstreams of asbestos workers.
It's important to discuss any past asbestos exposure with an expert in mesothelioma. Many asbestos-related mesothelioma symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions and diseases that make it difficult for general oncologists to recognize this kind of cancer. Specialists in mesothelioma can carry out specialized testing to diagnose this disease. For instance mesothelioma specialists may use imaging scans to see how the cancer has progressed and what kind it is.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, 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 can be found in the linings of the heart or abdomen. The testicles what causes mesothelioma may also be affected by mesothelioma (mesothelioma tunica vaginalis).
Exposure to asbestos at work is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can remain suspended for long durations in the air, making them easy to breathe in and consume. These fibers irritate the linings of organs and mutate their DNA, resulting in tumors that could be malignant (cancerous).
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically 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 unable to diagnose mesothelioma because of their lack of understanding about the disease and its unique symptoms. Patients should seek a referral to mesothelioma specialists in order to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Asbestos is the sole mesothelioma-related cause that has been proved. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was utilized in the past for insulation, fireproofing, and other reasons. Workers in factories that used asbestos were exposed to dust and fibers while during their work. Plumbers and electricians were among those exposed, along with factory workers, painters shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans.
Occupational asbestos exposure occurs most often when someone brings asbestos fibers home from the workplace, on their skin, clothing, or hair. The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased for relatives of asbestos-exposed workers. Mesothelioma patients have reported that their family members have had mesothelioma symptoms including an overall feeling of unwellness or breathing difficulty and fluid accumulation in the lung (pleural effusion) and swelling of the scrotum.
5. Smoking
There are many people who are exposed asbestos and do not develop mesothelioma. This suggests that other causes could be involved. For instance an individual may be more likely to develop mesothelioma if they are genetically predisposed to cancer or another condition that increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma can be exposure to toxic materials like radiation and chemicals as well as viral infections. Mesothelioma can also be caused by the mutation of a gene although this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble those of other illnesses and disorders which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Because of this, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. The only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to take an in-person biopsy.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled, and then travel through the pleura (the lining of the lungs). This irritation can lead abnormal cancer cells to form in the pleura. If the tumors continue to grow, they could enlarge and reduce the lung tissue that causes discomfort and other symptoms like shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
It is important to consult a specialist immediately in the event that you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma. These specialists can help determine whether the symptoms are related to mesothelioma, or other ailments. They may also suggest tests to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. This includes chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and even blood tests. They can also refer patients to an expert for mesothelioma treatments. The mesothelioma treatment options that are specialized can greatly improve the prognosis for patients. The type of mesothelioma will determine the best treatment approach.