Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a group of silicate fibrous minerals. Workers who work with asbestos frequently develop mesothelioma following inhalation of the tiny fibres, which get stuck in the lung and cause long-term damage.
A small, but significant portion of mesothelioma is not related to asbestos. These are typically found in patients younger than the age of 50, or in women.
1. Viral Infections
The virus is looking for a host to multiply and then enter. They are tiny pieces genetic material. Viruses, unlike bacteria cannot survive on their own. They need a host to survive. Once a virus has found a host, it takes over the cell's command center and copies itself. Eventually, the virus causes enough damage to cells to trigger symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma if the fibers penetrate and inflame the thin tissue around organs. It is most commonly found in the lungs, however it can also be found in other parts of the chest or abdomen cavity. In rare cases asbestos fibers may reach the heart's lining (pericardium) or the testes (mesothelioma of the peritoneum).
The majority of mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos in their work. This includes those working in construction, the military and a range of other occupations like electricians, shipyard workers and mechanics. It's also possible for people to be exposed in indirect ways, such as through the clothes or equipment worn by their family members who work with asbestos.
There are many other causes of mesothelioma like certain diseases and genetic predisposition. However, they are not considered to be the primary causes of mesothelioma. The majority of mesotheliomas are Idiopathic (spontaneous) tumors. Asbestos is by far the most prevalent cause of mesothelioma malignancy. The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not manifest 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 the most significant source of mesotheliomas. However, it's unclear why this is.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many internal organs, typically the lining of the lungs (pleura) and less frequently the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is most often caused by exposure to asbestos. Other causes may be involved, but they are not generally considered to be significant causes of this rare cancer.
Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibres and was widely used in construction until it was banned in the late 1970s for safety reasons. Asbestos can be exposed through air, water or food. The most vulnerable to being exposed include shipyard workers, and other tradespeople employed in the building industry contractors, remodelers and contractors of older homes or businesses as well as asbestos producers.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs or abdomen (peritoneum), but less commonly. The irritation can last years and eventually damage DNA in the cells, which then mutates to mesothelioma tumours.
Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in those who were exposed to asbestos during their work. Those most likely to have been exposed include those in construction and manufacturing jobs where asbestos was used in the form of asbestos roofers or insulation installers. Shipyard workers, military veterans and those who work on or off naval vessels, or at military bases could have also been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition with symptoms that aren't well understood. They are also mistaken for other diseases. It is crucial to speak with your doctor when any of these symptoms occur. If your doctor suspects that you have mesothelioma, they'll refer you to an expert to conduct additional tests.
3. Genetics
Mesothelioma is most often caused by asbestos exposure, mostly due to exposure in the workplace. It has also been linked to other mineral exposures, such as silica or erionite. The signs of mesothelioma could be noticed between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure.
When exposed to asbestos, the needle-like fibers can irritate the lining of the lungs (pleura). This can result in an accumulation of fluid in the lungs that causes the onset of mesothelioma. 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 tell cells how to behave and grow, are found in the DNA of the cell. The cancer cells mutated by mutations expand uncontrollably and develop tumors. how is mesothelioma caused and destroy healthy tissues and organs. Mesothelioma is not an exception.
While researchers do not know the exact cause of mesothelioma they have a few theories. One theory suggests that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by specific chemicals or radiations that are used in the manufacture of asbestos products. Another theory is that asbestos-related mutations result from the presence of the virus SV40 in the bloodstream of those who work with asbestos.
It is important to discuss any history of asbestos exposure with an expert in mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma associated with asbestos are similar to the symptoms of other diseases and conditions, making it difficult for general oncologists to recognize this kind of cancer. Mesothelioma specialists can conduct special tests to diagnose this disease. For example, mesothelioma specialists can use imaging scans to discover how the cancer has spread and the type it is.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, occurs in the tissues that surround certain organs. The most common form of mesothelioma is that of the lining around the lung. Other mesothelioma types can be found in the lining of the abdomen or the heart. The testicles can 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 in the air for long periods of time, making them easy to breathe in or swallow. These fibers can irritate organ linings, and cause DNA mutations that can lead to tumors.
The signs of mesothelioma are usually not likely to show up until 20 to 60 years after the first exposure. Often, symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain are mistaken for other conditions. General oncologists frequently misdiagnose mesothelioma due to their lack of knowledge about the disease and its distinctive symptoms. Patients should request the referral of mesothelioma specialists in order to ensure they receive the best care possible.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was used for insulation, fireproofing and other purposes in the past. In factories, workers who used asbestos were exposed to dust and fibers on the job. Plumbers and electricians were among those exposed, along with factory workers, painters shipyard employees, construction crews and veterans.
The asbestos exposure that occupational workers are exposed to most commonly occurs when someone brings asbestos fibers home to be absorbed by their shoes, clothing or hair and skin from their job. The families of those who were exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma, too. Mesothelioma patients have reported that their family members have been affected by mesothelioma symptoms including a general feeling unwell or shortness of breathe and fluid accumulation in the lungs (pleural effusion) and swelling of the scrotum.
5. Smoking
Many people who are exposed to asbestos do not develop mesothelioma, which suggests that there are other factors involved. For example, a person may be more likely to develop mesothelioma should they have a genetic predisposition to cancer or a health condition that increases the chance of developing mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to other toxic materials like radiation and chemicals and being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma can also be caused by a mutation in a gene. However, this is a much less common cause.
Mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to those of other disorders and diseases. This makes it difficult for doctors to to diagnose the condition. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because of this. The only method to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to conduct biopsy.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can pass through the lining of the lungs, or pleura, and cause irritation. This irritation can cause abnormal cancer cells to grow in the pleura. If the tumors continue to grow, they may enlarge and reduce the lung tissue that causes discomfort and other symptoms such as shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is essential to see an expert right away. Specialists can help you determine whether the symptoms are related to mesothelioma or to other conditions. They may also suggest tests to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. These can include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They may also refer you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatments. The specialized mesothelioma treatments available can greatly improve the prognosis for patients. The type of mesothelioma is going to determine the best treatment strategy.