Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of silicate fibrous minerals. People who work with asbestos frequently develop mesothelioma as a result of inhaling the tiny fibers, which become lodged in the lung and cause long-term damage.
A small but significant fraction of mesothelioma has no connection to asbestos. These are usually found in younger patients or in women.
1. Viral Infections
Viruses are small pieces of genetic material that search for a host to enter and multiply in. Like bacteria, viruses can't survive on their own, and require a host to live. Once a virus has located the host cell, it assumes control of the cell's command centre and copies itself. Eventually the virus has affected enough cells that the host is afflicted with symptoms of the infection.
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma if the fibers infiltrate and cause inflammation to thin tissues surrounding organs. It is usually 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 linings of the heart or tests.
The majority of mesothelioma patients have been exposed to asbestos in their work. This includes people in construction, the military and a range of other professions such as shipyard workers, electricians and mechanics. Some people are exposed by clothing or other equipment used by family members who work in asbestos.
There are some alternative etiologies of mesothelioma. These include certain genetic predispositions and viruses. These aren't usually thought to be significant causes of mesothelioma. In fact, the majority of mesotheliomas not associated with asbestos are uninvolved (idiopathic) tumors. Asbestos is by far the most prevalent cause of malignant mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma often don't appear until 30 to 50 years after the initial asbestos exposure. In North America, asbestos is responsible for the majority of pleural as well as a few peritoneal mesotheliomas. In Europe asbestos is the most significant contributor to mesotheliomas. However, it's not clear the reason for this.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many internal organs, mostly 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 aren't typically considered to be major causes of this rare cancer.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers which were used extensively in construction before being snubbed for safety reasons in late 1970s. The exposure to asbestos can happen through the air, water or food items. The most vulnerable to being exposed include miners, shipyard workers, and other tradespeople employed in the building industry, contractors and remodelers of old buildings or businesses and asbestos-related manufacturers.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lung linings or abdomen (peritoneum) however, it happens less frequently. The irritation can last for years and can eventually cause damage to DNA in cells, which then mutates into mesothelioma tumors.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work. Most likely to be exposed are those working in construction or manufacturing jobs that require asbestos, like asbestos installers or roofers. Shipyard workers, veterans of the military and those working on or off naval vessels or at military bases could have also been exposed to asbestos.
The mesothelioma signs and symptoms aren't well understood and may resemble other diseases, so it is important to see your physician if you exhibit any signs or symptoms of this rare disease. If your doctor suspects that you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist for further testing.
3. Genetics
Mesothelioma is most often caused by asbestos exposure, typically through workplace exposure. However, it has been linked to other forms of mineral exposure such as silica and Erionite. It takes between 20 and 60 years after initial exposure for mesothelioma symptoms to appear.
If exposed to asbestos, the needle-like fibers could cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). This can lead to the accumulation of fluid on the lungs which causes mesothelioma's development. The mesothelioma cell is typically malignant and can trigger many symptoms like shortness of breath and chest wall pain and weight loss.
Cancers develop when a series of genetic changes (mutations) happen in the DNA of cells which normally instructs cells how to expand and behave. The cells that have been altered begin to multiply out of control and form tumors. The abnormal cancer cells eventually take over healthy organs and tissues. Mesothelioma is not an exception.
Researchers do not yet know the specific cause of mesothelioma, but they have some theories. One theory suggests that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by certain chemicals or radiations that are used in the manufacture 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 essential to discuss any history of asbestos exposure with mesothelioma specialists. Many mesothelioma-related asbestos symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and conditions that make it difficult for general oncologists to identify this kind of cancer. Mesothelioma specialists are able to perform specialized tests to identify this disease. Imaging scans can be utilized by mesothelioma experts to determine the type of cancer and the way it has progressed.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the tissues that surround certain organs. The most common form of mesothelioma is the lining surrounding the lung. Other mesothelioma types can be found in the lining of the abdomen or the heart. Mesothelioma also occurs in the testicles (mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis).
People are the most at risk for mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibers can remain suspended for long periods in the air, making it simple to breathe in and consume. They can cause irritation to the organ's linings and mutate their DNA and cause tumors that may be malignant (cancerous).
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. Often, symptoms such a shortness of breath or chest pain are misinterpreted as other conditions. General oncologists frequently misdiagnose mesothelioma due to their lack of knowledge about the disease and its distinctive symptoms. Patients should seek an appointment with mesothelioma specialists in order to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Asbestos exposure is the one known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was utilized in the past for insulation, fireproofing, and other reasons. Workers in factories that employed asbestos were exposed to dust and fibers on the job. Those exposed included plumbers and electricians, painters, factory employees shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is most often experienced when a person brings asbestos fibers home to be absorbed by their clothing, shoes and hair, as well as skin and hair from their job. Families of workers who were exposed to a lot of asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well. Mesothelioma patients have reported that their family members have had mesothelioma symptoms including 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 lot of people who have been exposed to asbestos, but don't develop mesothelioma. This suggests that other factors could be at play. A person could be more prone to mesothelioma for instance in the event that they have a genetic predisposition to cancer or have other conditions that increase the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to harmful substances like radiation and chemicals as well as viral infections. Mesothelioma can also be caused by the mutation of the gene. However this is a less frequent cause.
Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other diseases and disorders. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the disease. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because of this. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled and can travel through the pleura (the lining of the lungs). This irritation can result in the development of abnormal cancer cells in the pleura. If the tumors continue to grow, they can enlarge and compress the lung tissue that causes pain and other symptoms like shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma it is crucial to consult an expert right away. Specialists can help you determine whether the symptoms are linked to mesothelioma or other diseases. They may also recommend causes of sarcomatoid mesothelioma tests to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. These include chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and even blood tests. They can also refer you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatment. The mesothelioma treatment options that are specialized can significantly improve the outlook for patients. The type of mesothelioma will determine the best treatment method.