Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of fibrous silicate minerals. Workers who work with asbestos frequently develop mesothelioma as a result of inhaling the tiny fibres, which are trapped in the lung and cause damage over time. However, a small but substantial fraction of mesothelioma cases are unrelated to asbestos. These are usually found in younger patients or women. 1. Viral Infections The virus is looking for a host to multiply and get into. They are tiny pieces of genetic material. Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot survive on their own, and require a host to live. Once a virus has found a host, it takes over the cell's command center and creates copies of itself. Eventually, enough cells are affected that the host begins to show signs of infection. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma when the fibers are able to penetrate and inflame thin tissue surrounding organs. It is typically found in the lungs, however it can also be found in other areas of the abdomen and chest cavity. In rare cases asbestos fibers may reach the tissues of the heart and testes. The majority of patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos through their work. This includes people working in construction, military and a myriad of other occupations like shipyard workers, electricians, and mechanics. Some people are exposed to asbestos through clothing or equipment used by relatives who work in asbestos. There are many alternative causes of mesothelioma, including certain genetic predispositions and viruses. However, they are not seen as significant causes of mesothelioma. In reality, the majority of mesotheliomas that are not associated with asbestos are spontaneous (idiopathic) tumors. Asbestos exposure is still the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Mesothelioma symptoms usually do not appear for 30 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. In North America, asbestos is responsible for the majority of pleural and a few peritoneal mesotheliomas. In Europe, the percentage of mesotheliomas linked to asbestos is greater. However, it's unclear what the reason behind this. 2. Chemicals Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds many internal organs, mostly the lung lining (pleura) and less often the abdomen's lining (peritoneum). Mesothelioma is almost exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos. Other causes are also possible but aren't generally considered to be significant causes of this rare cancer. Asbestos is a group of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibers. They were extensively used in the construction industry before being banned for safety reasons in the late 1970s. Asbestos is a risk to be exposed through water, air, 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) however, it happens less often. The irritation can last years and eventually damage DNA in the cells, which later develop into mesothelioma cancers. Mesothelioma is most often diagnosed in people who were exposed to asbestos during their work. Most likely to be exposed are those working in construction and manufacturing jobs that use asbestos like asbestos installers or roofers. Shipyard workers, military veterans and those working on or off naval vessels or at military bases could have also been exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease with symptoms that aren't well understood. They can also be mistaken for other conditions. It is essential to consult your physician whenever any of these symptoms appear. If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert for further testing. 3. Genetics Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure, usually through workplace exposure. It has also been associated with other mineral exposures such as silica or erionite. The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear between 20 and 60 year after the initial exposure. The needle-like asbestos fibres can irritate the lining (pleura) of the lungs. This can lead to a buildup on the lungs of fluid that leads to mesothelioma. The mesothelioma cells are typically malignant and can trigger a number of symptoms including breathing problems and chest wall pain 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 cells that have been altered begin to multiply out of control and develop into tumors. The cancerous cells invade healthy organs and tissue. Mesothelioma is no exception. Researchers aren't able to determine the specific cause of mesothelioma, but they have some theories. One theory is that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by specific substances or radiations used in the manufacture of asbestos-related products. Another theory suggests that asbestos-related DNA mutations are caused by SV40 virus in the bloodstreams of asbestos workers. It is essential to discuss any past asbestos exposure with mesothelioma specialists. Asbestos-related mesothelioma can exhibit symptoms similar to other conditions or diseases. This makes it difficult for general oncologists to recognize this type 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 been able to spread. 4. Alcohol Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer, develops in the tissues that surround certain organs. The most common mesothelioma form affects the lining around the lungs (pleura). Other types of mesothelioma may occur in the linings around the abdomen or the heart. mesothelioma other causes is also found in the testicles (mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis). People are most at risk of developing mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos fibres can float for long durations in the air, making them easy to breathe in and consume. These fibers can cause irritation to organ linings and cause DNA mutations, leading to tumors. Symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until 20 to 60 years after the first exposure. Often, symptoms such a chest pain are mistaken for other conditions. General oncologists frequently misdiagnose mesothelioma because of their lack of understanding about the disease and its distinct symptoms. Patients should request an appointment with mesothelioma specialists in order to ensure they receive the best care possible. Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma causing factor. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used for insulation and fireproofing as well as other purposes in the past. Workers in factories that used asbestos were subjected to dust and fibers during their work. The workers exposed included plumbers, electricians as well as factory employees, painters shipyard workers, construction crews and veterans. Occupational exposure to asbestos is most often experienced when a person brings asbestos fibers home on their clothing, shoes, skin and hair from their job. The risk of mesothelioma is increased for family members of asbestos-exposed workers. Mesothelioma victims have reported that their families have felt a general sense of being unwell or mesothelioma-related symptoms such as breathing problems and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) and swelling in the scrotum (hydrocele). 5. Smoking There are a number of people who have been exposed to asbestos but do not develop mesothelioma. This suggests that other factors may be at play. One may be more susceptible to mesothelioma for instance, if they have a genetic predisposition to cancer or any other condition that increase the risk of mesothelioma. Other causes of mesothelioma are exposure to other toxic materials like radiation and chemicals and being exposed to viral infections. Mesothelioma can also be caused by an alteration in a gene. However, this is a much less frequent cause. The symptoms of mesothelioma can appear similar to other diseases and disorders which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because of this. The only way to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma is to perform a biopsy. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled and travel through the pleura (the lining of the lungs). This irritation could lead to the development of cancerous cells that are not normal in the pleura. If the tumors continue to grow, they can enlarge and reduce the lung tissue, causing pain and other symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. It is important to consult an expert as soon as possible in the event that you or someone you love is diagnosed with Mesothelioma. Specialists will determine if your symptoms are linked to mesothelioma, or any other condition. They can also suggest tests to determine the presence of cancerous cells. This could include chest X-rays, CT scans or MRIs and blood tests. They can also refer you to a specialist for mesothelioma treatment. Mesothelioma treatments that are specific to mesotheliom the outlook of patients. The type of mesothelioma will determine the best treatment approach.
mesothelioma other causes
