Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of silicate minerals that are fibrous. Workers who breathe asbestos fibres can develop mesothelioma.
A small, but significant portion of mesothelioma isn't related to asbestos. They typically occur in patients younger than the age of 50, or in women.
1. Viral Infections
Viruses look for a body to multiply and get into. They are tiny bits of genetic material. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot live on their own and require a host to survive. Once a virus has located an appropriate host cell, it takes control of the cell's command center and copies itself. Eventually, the virus infects enough cells to trigger symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma if the fibers penetrate and inflame thin tissues surrounding organs. It is most often seen in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but may also affect other parts of the chest cavity or abdominal cavity. In rare instances, asbestos fibers can reach the heart's lining (pericardium) or the testes (mesothelioma of the peritoneum).
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma have heavy, direct occupational exposure to asbestos. Construction workers as well as the military and other professions such as shipyard workers, mechanics, and electricians are all at risk. The risk of exposure is also to asbestos through clothing or equipment used by family members who work in asbestos.
There are other causes of mesothelioma such as certain diseases and genetic predisposition. These are not usually considered to be significant causes of mesothelioma. The majority of mesotheliomas are Idiopathic (spontaneous) tumors. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma malignancy. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't manifest for 30 to 50 years following 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 not clear why this is.
2. Chemicals
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin tissue that covers many organs. It most commonly affects the linings of the lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Although there are other possible causes however, they are not considered to be major causes for the development of this rare form of cancer.
Asbestos is a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibers which were extensively used in construction before being banned due to safety concerns in the late 1970s. Asbestos can be exposed through water, air or food items. The most susceptible to asbestos exposure are shipyard workers, miners and other building tradespeople contractors, remodelers, and asbestos manufacturers.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can irritate the lung's lining (pleura) or, less often, the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). The irritation can last for a long time and eventually damage cell DNA and then transform into mesothelioma tumors.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by those who have been exposed to asbestos at work. The most likely to be exposed are those who work in manufacturing and construction jobs that use 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 symptoms are not well-studied and can be a resemblance to other diseases, so it is essential to consult your physician if you exhibit any symptoms or signs of this rare disease. If your doctor suspects mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to an expert to conduct further tests.
3. Genetics
Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure, usually from exposure to asbestos in the workplace. It is also associated with other mineral exposures such as silica or erionite. The signs of mesothelioma may appear between 20 and 60 year after the initial exposure.
If exposed to asbestos, the needle-like fibers can irritate the lung's lining (pleura). This can cause an accumulation of fluid on the lungs that causes mesothelioma's development. The mesothelioma cell is typically malignant and can cause a number of symptoms including breathing problems and pain in the chest wall, and weight loss.
Cancer develops when a number of genetic changes (mutations), which normally tell the cells how to behave and grow, are found in the DNA of the cell. The cells affected by mutations begin to multiply out of control and develop into tumors. Ultimately, the abnormal cancer cells infiltrate and destroy healthy tissue and organs. Mesothelioma does not make an exception.
Researchers do not yet know the mesothelioma's exact cause, however they do have a few theories. One theory states that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by certain substances or radiations used in the manufacture of asbestos products. Another theory states that asbestos-related DNA mutations result from SV40 virus found in the bloodstreams of asbestos workers.
It is important to discuss with a mesothelioma expert any previous exposure to asbestos. Many asbestos-related mesothelioma symptoms resemble the symptoms of other conditions and diseases which makes it difficult for general oncologists to diagnose this type of cancer. Specialists in mesothelioma can perform specific tests to identify this type of cancer. Imaging scans are used by mesothelioma specialists to determine the type of cancer and how it has spread.
4. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, occurs in the tissues surrounding certain organs. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is that of the lining around the lungs. Other mesothelioma types can occur in the linings of the abdomen or the heart. Mesothelioma can also be found in the testicles (mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis).
Exposure to asbestos at work is the most frequent cause mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be floating in the air for long periods of time which makes them easy to inhale or ingest. They can cause irritation to the linings of organs and alter their DNA, resulting in tumors that could be malignant (cancerous).
The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident until 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure. symptoms like chest pain or a lack of ability to breathe are often mistaken for other conditions. General oncologists are often incorrectly diagnosed with mesothelioma because of their ignorance of the disease and its symptoms. Patients should seek an appointment with mesothelioma specialists to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was used to create insulation as well as fireproofing, among other things in the past. In factories, workers who used asbestos were subjected to dust and fibers during their work. They were exposed to asbestos by plumbers and electricians as well as factory employees, painters shipyard workers, construction crews, and veterans.
The most common exposure to asbestos in the workplace is often when a person brings asbestos fibers back from the workplace and smears them on their clothing, skin, or hair. The risk of mesothelioma is increased for relatives of asbestos-exposed workers. Mesothelioma patients have reported that family members have been affected by mesothelioma symptoms, such as an uneasy feeling or shortness of breathe and fluid accumulation in the lung (pleural effusion) and swelling of the scrotum.
5. Smoking
Many people who have been exposed to asbestos do not develop mesothelioma which suggests that there are other factors involved. For example, a person may be more likely mesothelioma is caused by to develop mesothelioma should they are genetically predisposed to cancer or another condition that increases the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma include exposure to other toxic substances such as radiation and chemicals and also being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma can be caused by a mutation of a gene although this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may be similar to those of other disorders and illnesses that make it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as a result of this. A biopsy is the only way to confirm mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled and travel through the pleura (the lung's lining). This irritation can result in the development of cancerous cells that are abnormally located in the pleura. If the tumors expand they may enlarge the lung tissue and cause pain, as well as other symptoms like breathlessness or breathing difficulties.
It is essential to speak with an expert immediately in the event that you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma. They can determine if symptoms are related to mesothelioma or other conditions. 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 a specialist for mesothelioma treatments. Specialized mesothelioma treatment can improve the prognosis of patients. The type of mesothelioma is going to determine the best treatment strategy.