Mesothelioma is Caused by Exposure to Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the linings of the organs, causing DNA damage which causes mesothelioma cancers.
Workers who work with asbestos may bring these fibers home in their hair, clothing and tools. This puts loved ones at risk of second-hand exposure. The chemicals found in the clothing of their spouses can cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a range of minerals that occurs naturally in the form of fiber bundles. When asbestos is broken or disturbed and dissolved, the fibers could be released into the air and be inhaled. The fibers may enter the smallest airways, causing irritation to the lining of your lungs (the pleura). The irritation can cause cells to grow abnormally and develop into mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma may also affect other areas of the body with similar linings like the peritoneum, the heart or testicles.
Medical records and other research have linked asbestos exposure to mesothelioma. Scientists don't know why certain people are more susceptible to mesothelioma more than others. They have discovered that the type of asbestos used and the amount of exposure influences their risk for this cancer.
Chrysotile asbestos and amphibole asbestos are the most well-known kinds of asbestos that have been associated with mesothelioma. They were used to make household and industrial items like pipes, insulation, drywall, cement, talcum powder, and cement. The greatest risk is for people exposed to these products at work. These workers usually worked in industries such as electrical work, construction and shipbuilding, as well as military service. Because of their history, men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females.
Asbestos fibers cling to the organs' tissues like the chest wall and lungs. They also adhere to the tissues that line the abdomen, intestines and bowels. Mesothelium, a durable and strong material, is able to be resistant to damage. Asbestos fibers may get trapped within the mesothelium and stay there for decades or even years. This can cause chronic irritation, which could eventually lead to mesothelioma tumors.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is caused by DNA mutations that cause a cell to divide unchecked. This results in a cancerous tumor. Researchers have identified a number of factors that increase a person's likelihood of developing mesothelioma. These include an ancestor's history and previous exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare condition, and the symptoms and signs typically do not show up until years after exposure. People who have a history of exposure should consult their doctor when they experience any signs or symptoms that concern them.
Erionite
Erionite is commonly found in association with asbestos. It is also believed to cause mesothelioma - primarily pleural mesothelioma. It is also linked to the peritoneal cancer. Erionite is part of the group of minerals known as Zeolites. Electron microscopy is used to conduct a variety of morphological studies on erionite. These studies reveal a variable structure of the erionite fibres. These fibres can be arranged in regular bundles or as rod-like structures, based on the nanostructural properties of the erionite.
In a study of a long-term follow-up of inhabitants in villages exposed to erionite in Turkey, Baris and Grandjean (2006) found that the rate of death from mesothelioma was significantly higher in these communities than in the control village not exposed to erionite. Over the course of 23 years in this study, 119 mesothelioma deaths were recorded in the erionite-exposed villages and seven mesothelioma peritoneal cases were reported. The authors concluded that erionite is much more mesotheliomagenic than any of the six amphiboles (antophyllite, actinolite, crocidolite, tremolite, and amosite) currently classified as asbestos.
It is possible that the structural resemblance between erionite and asbestos is what causes mesothelioma. In a study of rats, mesothelioma induced by erionite had the same cellular response similar to that of the rats exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma induced by erionite had an increased Bax expression, as well as a decrease in Fas ligand.
The Department of Transportation in North Dakota is working with local counties as well as businesses to limit the use of gravel that contains erionite. The department continues to monitor erionite research and keep citizens of the state informed on the issue. Erionite is found in a variety of regions of the United States including Oregon, Idaho and Arizona. Researchers will be able analyze samples from these areas to mesotheliomagenic Erionite from Turkey if they correctly identify the presence of erionite. This will help determine how common mesothelioma is across the U.S., and may also lead to better screening and prevention strategies for people who are exposed to the substance. It can take 30 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop, so this work is crucial.
Silica
Silica, also known as quartz, is a popular industrial substance found in the earth crust. It is used in many different industries, including construction, mining and agriculture. Depending on the type of work, inhaling silica particles can cause debilitating and fatal lung diseases, referred to as silicosis and even lung cancer. Silica exposure can also increase a person's chances of developing mesothelioma. This is a potentially fatal lung cancer that is found in the mesothelium.
Both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration classify inhaled crystalline silicon as a substance that can cause cancer in humans. This is based upon strong evidence that inhalation exposure to silica can cause lung cancer. The IARC has not yet recognized the role of silica as a cause of other cancers such as mesothelioma and bladder cancer.
Inhalation of asbestos and mineral fibers can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is caused by the aggregation of asbestos and chronic irritation of the mesothelium. Inhaling other mineral fibers, such as silica or mineral wool enhances this effect by causing more irritation to the mesothelium. The majority of mesothelioma cases are discovered by people who are over 45 because it takes years for the disease to progress. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with it than women, because they were exposed to asbestos and silica at work.
Asbestos, silica and other chemicals are known as lung carcinogens. does asbestos cause mesothelioma . Environmental Protection Agency and the IARC acknowledge that mesothelioma and other cancers, are correlated with these exposures. The mechanisms behind how carcinogens play in the development of other organs are not well understood. The chemistry, physics and physicochemical characteristics of inhaled silica and asbestos particles determine their removal from the lungs and how they are disseminated to other sites such as the bladder.
The authors of a recent population-based study characterized the association between workplace silica and asbestos exposure and the risk of bladder cancer by using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System in eight Canadian provinces. Exposures to a broad range of asbestos dusts and silica were observed in the study with the highest level and frequency of exposure being observed in the mining, construction, quarrying, masonry and manufacturing industries.
Other Minerals
Minerals are solid substances that occur naturally on the Earth. Minerals have specific physical and chemical characteristics. Most minerals have a regular crystal structure. Examples include the fibrous minerals asbestos and barium. Both are soft metallic elements used in x ray technology, fireworks and rubber manufacturing. People who are exposed to these minerals in the workplace might be exposed to asbestos fibers in clothes and personal items, which are then taken home, where family members can take them in or swallow them.
Asbestos may cause mesothelioma to develop in 70 to 80 percent of cases diagnosed. However, a small number of cases have been linked to exposure to non-asbestiform mineral. These minerals include erionite, other forms of silica, and non-asbestiform granulerite used in mining operations.
The chest is where symptoms of mesothelioma usually start. They can manifest as swelling, pain and trouble breathing. The most common site of development is in the pleura that covers your diaphragm as well as your lungs. The disease may also manifest within the peritoneum that protects your stomach, intestinal tract, and the lungs. In certain instances, mesothelioma may expand to other areas of your body.
It can take between 20 and 20 years for pleural cancer to develop after exposure to asbestos. Due to this, a lot of affected individuals don't seek medical help until they experience significant symptoms like persistent chest pain or a build-up of fluid in the lungs.
The kind of mesothelioma treatment that you receive depends on how far the disease has spread and the extent of it. Your doctor may prescribe treatments to manage symptoms and prolong life. You may be prescribed strong painkillers or have fluid drained from your lungs in order to ease your discomfort.
In addition to treating your symptoms, your physician will typically prescribe medications to fight cancer cells or slow their growth. The most commonly used treatment for cancer of the pleural region is chemotherapy. It is used in isolation or in conjunction with other therapies. Other treatments include radiation and surgery. Surgery may involve the removal of your lung, or a part of your diaphragm, or it could be combined with chemotherapy and radiation.