Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma?Mesothelioma can be difficult identify because the cancerous cells may resemble other types of tissue. A combination of chest x-rays, CT scans and a biopsy can aid doctors in diagnosing the condition.Symptoms include discomfort in the chest or abdomen, hoarseness, fatigue and weight loss. The symptoms usually worsen over time.AsbestosOver 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma have been linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a fibrous silicate mineral, is naturally occurring. It was used in many different industries until the 1980s and the ban on blue and brown asbestos was introduced, followed by a complete ban on all asbestos types in 1999. Anyone who has been exposed to or worked with blue, brown, or white asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma. This is particularly the case for those who worked in the military or were employed in industries prior to the ban.Mesothelioma occurs when the tiny asbestos fibres enter the body and cause irritation to mesothelial cells. The irritation causes abnormal cell growth that can lead to cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma is found primarily in the linings of our internal organs, including the stomach, lungs and intestines.Asbestos exposure is usually caused by daily brushing or handling of the mineral. This could include work in factories, building renovations, shipbuilding and maintenance of vehicles. Asbestos contamination can be found in schools and homes, especially if the material has been removed or agitated without taking the necessary precautions.Once inhaled, the asbestos fibers are transported along the air passages to the lungs, where they deposit on the lining of the lungs. Some of the fibers can be removed from the lungs in a matter of hours, while others can remain for a long time. Some of them can move to the outer abdomen lining known as the peritoneum where they cause the lining to thicken and get swollen, leading to mesothelioma of the peritoneal region.Asbestos can be harmful to those who aren't in these professions. For example, family members of those that work with asbestos or deal with it frequently. It is believed that asbestos fibres could be transmitted to household members through hair or clothing or even through contact with the affected individual's skin. In addition, mesothelioma can be inherited from an individual's parents who were exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma risks can be increased if a person has an genetic mutation that makes them sensitive to chemical exposure or asbestos.Exposure to other chemicalsOther chemicals may be involved in mesothelioma. Asbestos is the most common cause, but other chemicals can also be involved. People who work in industries that use other types of carcinogens are more at risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes as workers who repair or maintain pipelines for gas and oil. People who are exposed to high doses of radiation for other illnesses are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.Genetics and age are also risk factors. Most mesothelioma patients are over 60 years old, and many have a history of the disease. People who are exposed to smoke from cigarettes are also at higher risk of developing mesothelioma. This is probably due to the fact that asbestos fibers can enter into the lungs via the mouth or nose.If someone is concerned they may have mesothelioma they should visit a doctor immediately. The doctor will ask about asbestos exposure and perform a physical examination to check for symptoms of mesothelioma, such as chest pain or difficulty in breathing. The doctor may also request imaging scans of the abdomen or chest to look for evidence of fluid buildup like a pleural mesothelioma. These scans can be done by using CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) PET (positron emission tomography) scans or X-rays.The results of these tests will assist the doctor determine if mesothelioma is present and at what stage it is in. The earlier mesothelioma can be diagnosed, the better the prognosis for survival.If a doctor suspects that a patient is suffering from mesothelioma, they will refer the patient to an expert for further testing. Depending on the location of the mesothelioma the specialist will conduct additional tests to find out the type of mesothelioma it is and the location in the body it is growing. These tests can be performed in a hospital or at a cancer clinic that is specialized. Specialists in mesothelioma may also request biopsies for testing tissues for mesothelioma. The specialist will also discuss the patient's treatment options. They might suggest treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.GeneticsGenetic mutations that can be passed down through generations such as the BAP1 gene mutation could make a person more likely to develop mesothelioma. These mutations are not the sole cause of this asbestos-related cancer. The majority of patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, and symptoms often take decades to manifest.The mesothelioma cells grow abnormally, forming tumors in the lining of the chest cavity or abdomen. These tumors can then spread to other areas of the body, causing a range of serious symptoms. Some of these symptoms include a shortness of breath, swelling of the lungs or abdominal pain.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma through analyzing biopsy samples to determine the kind of cells that form the cancer. There are three different mesothelioma cells that include epithelioid, sarcomatoid and biphasic mesothelioma. The epithelioid cell type is responsible for 70% of all mesothelioma and is well-responding to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the other hand, is and generally has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid. Biphasic mesothelioma may be a mixture of two cell types. It is usually more difficult to treat.Scientists are working to identify mesothelioma-related genes and how they affect a person's risk of developing the disease. This research could aid doctors in diagnosing mesothelioma more precisely. mesothelioma causes can also help scientists find the best treatments for each patient.Researchers use DNA tests and analyze the mutations in cancerous and normal cells. This allows researchers to determine if a person's asbestos-related mesothelioma is due to genetics.Asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. Exposure is often work-related however family members may also be exposed via secondhand exposure. This is particularly true if someone worked at the same workplace as a loved one and brought home asbestos fibers on their hair or clothing.Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to a higher incidence of occupational asbestos exposure in men. Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence, it is still important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis and get the appropriate treatment. A misdiagnosis may give cancer time to spread, which can result in serious complications.SmokingSmokers are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma. This is because smoking products that contain asbestos and other chemicals can cause irritation of the lung linings and chest organs. Mesothelioma, a cancer of the lungs, is a very that targets the lining of the chest cavity.Asbestos is one of the minerals that make thin strong fibers. These fibers aren't dissolved in water or broken down by chemicals. Asbestos was mined for different reasons, including construction and automobile parts before scientists realized that it was a risk. The exposure to asbestos is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, such as veterans and construction workers are at the highest risk.Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to pleura and the lining in the lungs. This irritation triggers the body to produce cancerous cells that can grow into mesothelioma tumors.Mesothelioma symptoms can be mistaken for lung cancer, which can lead to a lot of mistakes in diagnosis. This can delay treatment and give the cancer time to expand. A biopsy and imaging tests are commonly used to identify cancer. The biopsy is used to determine the type of mesothelioma cell the patient has. There are three types of mesothelioma cell types: epithelioid sarc biphasic. The epithelioid type of mesothelioma is the most likely to be curable and has a better prognosis than the other forms.Researchers are looking at ways to diagnose mesothelioma at an earlier stage. One of the most promising tests is a blood test which measures the amount of a substance produced by mesothelioma cancer cells. Researchers believe this test can aid in identifying mesothelioma sufferers who are more likely to respond to treatment.Asbestos victims should tell their doctor when they have any past history of smoking. Smoking can hinder your body's ability to fight mesothelioma asbestos-related illnesses and other diseases. Smoking can also make mesothelioma a lot more difficult to treat since it hinders the body's ability to heal after chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. In addition, smoking cigarettes can cause other health issues that can make it harder for people to endure mesothelioma treatment.