Mesothelioma Causes - Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin layer lining many organs. Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma when inhaled.
Asbestos is a tough and fireproof mineral that was once used in numerous industries. Workers were exposed asbestos in ship repairs, construction and manufacturing of automobiles. Asbestos also clung to the workers hair and clothing which could have been brought home to family members.
1. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma can be caused by certain viruses. These infections can affect the abdomen, lungs and the heart. The virus that causes the disease could be genetic, meaning that it is passed down from parents. The virus may also be triggered by occupational or environmental exposure. While asbestos is the main mesothelioma cause Researchers continue to investigate other causes, including viral infections.
Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibers, which were used in construction, but are now banned. Exposure to asbestos occurs when the materials are disturbed, often in the workplace or at home. These fibres can be inhaled and swallowed, and they can be found in the lung linings, the stomach and the heart, as well as the testes. The fibres cause irritation to the lining, which leads to cell mutation and tumour growth. Mesothelioma grows in the course of time as tumours continue to expand and spread.
The most common mesothelioma form is found in the lung. The second most popular form of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is located in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma may also be found in the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) or in the membrane that protects the testes, although these forms are much less common.
Men are more prone to mesothelioma than women, and this is associated with high occupational asbestos exposure. Certain people who have mesothelioma including relatives and asbestos workers, have no history asbestos exposure. Sometimes, this is due to secondhand exposure where fibres are brought home on clothing. The SV40 virus is another reason for mesothelioma not caused by asbestos. SV40 is a virus that is commonly that is used in the polio vaccine could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.
Early treatment can help improve the outcomes for mesothelioma sufferers. Researchers will continue to develop new ways to treat and prevent disease as they study it. For now, the most effective way to protect yourself is to avoid asbestos and other forms of occupational and environmental exposure. See a doctor in case you have any concerns. They can help you determine if symptoms are related to asbestosis or not.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This system is a collection of tissues and organs that help the body fight infections. The two major types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. There are also more than 70 subtypes of lymphoma. A lot of these have specific causes, for example, exposure to certain chemicals or viruses such as SV40 radiation therapy or the use of talcum powder which is often used by women more than men. Mesothelioma is not a form of lymphoma, however exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing this cancer.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was used in the past to make products and building materials. It is tough, water-proof and fire-resistant. It is still used in floor tiles and insulation in older homes. Disturbing asbestos can cause its fibers to become airborne, which could cause people to breathe or inhale them. These fibers can become stuck in the thin layer of tissue that covers the organs of the body's internal system. The lung's lining (pleura) is most often affected by mesothelioma, however it can also be found in the abdomen's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the lining around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma).
Certain people develop mesothelioma even without asbestos exposure. This is rare but possible. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it's only in the air or on clothing that has been touched by someone who was exposed to it. Even people who live close to asbestos workers could be exposed. This is known as secondhand exposure, and it has been associated with mesothelioma in certain instances.
Researchers are looking into a variety of theories to explain how certain people might develop mesothelioma even if they do not have workplace or environmental asbestos exposure. This includes genetics, the SV40 virus, a type of radiation treatment referred to as erionite and other environmental factors like the use of Talcum powder. It is much easier to treat mesothelioma if it's detected early. Therefore, it is important that doctors understand all possible causes. This will allow them to identify more cases, and prevent people from being wrongly diagnosed.
3. Hereditary Conditions
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent cause, but other factors can also play a role. The disease is also inherited. Certain people are at a greater risk of mesothelioma due to their family history.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is tough and resistant to heat, which makes it useful in various industries. It was used for insulation, brakes and shingles, among other building materials. It is also very dangerous. It releases tiny fibers in the air when it is disturbed. Inhaling them, they could harm the lungs and alter DNA over time. This can lead to the formation of tumors in the lungs as well as other parts of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear for several decades following asbestos exposure. However, the disease can be diagnosed earlier than anticipated due to a variety of reasons. For example, asbestos particles can become stuck in the lungs and cause inflammation. The inflammation can cause cell mutations. The result is the development of tumors, which can lead to malignant mesothelioma.
The most frequent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleura. It occurs when asbestos-related tumors form in the lining of the chest cavity and the lung (pleura). Peritoneal mesothelioma is a different mesothelioma type that develops when asbestos-related tumors develop in the peritoneum (the protective layer surrounding the stomach). Pericardial mesothelioma, which occurs in the vicinity of the heart, is less prevalent.
Some patients develop mesothelioma without any asbestos exposure. It could be due to a hereditary disorder called Lynch syndrome. It is associated with the tumor suppressing gene BAP1. This gene mutation may increase the chance of mesothelioma in patients, but isn't always the cause.
There are other potential causes of mesothelioma, including certain environmental factors as well as radiation therapy. It is important to see an experienced physician about any potential symptoms or signs of mesothelioma, especially if a person has been exposed to asbestos in the past. Workers in the construction industry and other fields that use asbestos are at greater risk. Even non-workers could be at risk in the event that they live near asbestos-related sites or work in the vicinity.
4. Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure occurs when a person breathes in or swallows harmful substances. It can also occur when a person's skin is exposed to substances that are contaminated. Exposure to asbestos could cause a variety of diseases, including mesothelioma.
Inhaling chemical and other pollutants can be dangerous because they can cause irritation to the linings of the lungs as well as the stomach, causing cells to mutate. These mutations can result in the growth of cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma is typically caused by asbestos, but it may also be linked to other chemical exposures.
Asbestos is a mineral utilized in a variety of products due to the fact that it's durable and resistant to fire. When asbestos is disturbed it releases tiny fibres into the air. These fibres are easily inhaled, swallowed or ingested. People who are exposed to a lot of asbestos are at a greater risk of mesothelioma than those who aren't.
The severity of mesothelioma varies on how long and how frequently the person was exposed to asbestos. Asbestos-related patients typically develop mesothelioma when they are in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. This is due to the fact that it can take between 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after someone's initial exposure.
People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more likely to develop mesothelioma than people who were not. People who worked with asbestos in the military also face greater risk of mesothelioma, especially those who served on Navy ships. mesothelioma asbestosis is due to asbestos being frequently used on naval vessels.
A person's risk of mesothelioma may increase if they have an extended family history of the disease or have received radiation therapy on their chest. It's also possible to get mesothelioma without ever having been exposed to asbestos.
A small proportion of mesothelioma cases aren't caused by asbestos. The mesotheliomas that are most common are peritoneal or pleural and more prevalent in women than men. These cases are mostly caused by those who have mesothelioma with a genetic form however, a small percentage of patients have a gene mutated due to the SV40 virus. The virus can affect the immune system, which makes mesothelioma a lot more likely to develop.