Mesothelioma - What Causes It?Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma typically live longer if they begin treatment right away. Surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help improve survival rates.Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the cells that line the body's tissues, specifically those located around the chest and abdomen. The most commonly used type of mesothelioma is the pleural, which is found in the linings of the lungs.Exposure to AsbestosAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of tough, microscopic fibers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, it was extensively used in building materials, vehicles and ships as well as a variety of other things. This is due to its resistance to heat, fire, and water. Unfortunately, asbestos manufacturers were aware of the dangers, but kept this information a secret from the general public. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen in the workplace or through residential exposure. The most common areas where asbestos is exposed are factories, shipyards and construction sites. Workers in these jobs are exposed to asbestos by direct contact with the substance or by exposure to asbestos through secondhand contact when they bring home stray asbestos fibers on their clothing or hair.Asbestos fibers may enter the lungs, and then be inhaled or swallowed. This can cause irritation of the lining in the chest cavity or pleura. Over time, this can lead to scar tissue, or a condition known as asbestosis. Asbestosis causes difficulty breathing and other health problems. In rare cases, it may cause a lung tumor known as mesothelioma.Even short-term exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. However the disease typically takes 15-40 years after exposure to be diagnosed. Men are more likely than women to be affected by mesothelioma since the risk increases with the advancing years. A family history of the disease can increase the risk of developing it.Asbest remains the main cause for this cancerous disease although other factors like radiation, erionite and zeolites, have been implicated. Contact your doctor right away if you are experiencing symptoms after being exposed to asbestos. You could be able to submit an asbestos compensation claim in order to pay for treatment and other costs. Consult a lawyer about your potential options. A lawyer with experience in handling mesothelioma cases can explain to you your rights under the law and the best way to file an action. Early diagnosis and treatment for mesothelioma is essential. The best option is to seek treatment from a reputable mesothelioma hospital.Exposure to radiationMesothelioma can be found in the thin layer of tissue that covers and protects internal organs (mesothelium). The pleura, also known as the lining of the lungs and chest is the most frequent type. Other, less common forms are found in the tissues around the heart and testicles. Some people who have worked with asbestos can develop mesothelioma within their colon or intestines. (pericardial peritoneal).Most mesothelioma cases occur due to exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals that contain tiny microscopic fibers. In the past asbestos was mined because of its durability and used for building insulation as well as brakes and other products. When asbestos is broken, the fibers can become airborne and inhaled. They can be swallowed. The fibers can harm the DNA of cells and lead to uncontrolled cell growth when ingested. Mesothelioma typically develops 20 to 60 years after exposure.The exposure to radiation has been linked with mesothelioma too. Radiation is harmful to mesothelioma patients due to the fact that it can damage mesothelium cells. Mesothelioma researchers are studying whether mesothelioma is caused by cellular mutations, genes or both. In some studies, mesothelioma patients have inherited a gene mutation which increases their risk of developing the disease.The treatment for mesothelioma involves removing the cancerous tissue or utilizing chemotherapy and other drugs to reduce or kill cancerous cells and keep them from expanding. Doctors can also use targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other treatments to improve mesothelioma sufferers their quality of life.The best method to detect mesothelioma is to get an examination and other tests. These include imaging tests, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans and the positron emission imaging (PET). Blood samples can be used to measure the levels of certain chemicals that are released by mesothelioma cancer cells. These tests can help doctors identify mesothelioma early, when it is more likely to be treated.The mesothelioma experts from Asbestos.com are available to discuss treatment options with you. Our mesothelioma advocates can attend all major international and national mesothelioma conferences, staying on top of the most recent treatments clinical trials, research and results. We can assist you in finding the most competent medical professionals and legal representation for you. sarcomatoid mesothelioma causes occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most of the body's internal organs. The mesothelioma-related cancerous cells can be found in the tissue layer that surround every lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the sac that covers the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).The genes of a person determine whether their immune system is capable of fighting cancer and how quickly the tumor will expand. If the gene is damaged it could cause overexpression or underexpression of proteins that control cell division and growth. These proteins can cause cancerous cells to expand, divide, and multiply uncontrollably when they are expressed too much.Asbestos exposure is a well-known mesothelioma causing factor, but not everyone who is exposed develops this cancer. Mesothelioma is believed to be inherited in some instances, which implies that people with certain genetic mutations are more likely to get this kind of cancer. Research is still being conducted to determine the connection between hereditary factors, mesothelioma and genetic mutations.Scientists have discovered numerous types of mesothelioma. Each has its own causes. Some types are more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than others. Through the use of gene expression tests to determine the genetic makeup of cancer doctors can assist patients understand the mesothelioma and how it might affect them.These tests can help doctors determine the severity of a patient's mesothelioma will be and how far it has spread. They can also determine if there are high levels of genes that create immune-suppressing proteins, like PD-L1 and B7. If doctors know this information, they can utilize checkpoint inhibitor drugs to boost the immune system and stop mesothelioma from spreading even more.While there is no definitive link between hereditary factors and mesothelioma, scientists believe that these genes play a role in about 20 to 30 percent of mesothelioma cases. As more information becomes available about mesothelioma and its causes, people who have a history asbestos exposure should consider genetic testing. This is particularly true in the case of a family member who has been diagnosed with the disease.Enjoy the LifestyleThe way a person lives can influence their risk of being diagnosed with cancer. The majority of cancers are caused by an array of genetic mutations that accumulate in cells. These abnormal cells grow and multiply out of control. They accumulate and create tumors that may invade surrounding healthy tissue. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that comes with several risk factors.The mesothelioma cancerous form develops in a thin layer of tissues (mesothelium) that covers our internal organs. It is typically malignant, which means it can be cancerous and grow if not treated. Mesothelioma is classified by doctors according to the area of mesothelium that has been affected. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region. It is a form of cancer that develops around the lung lining and the chest cavity. However, it is also possible to develop mesothelioma within the abdomen's lining or around the heart.The symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear until the disease has reached an advanced stage. The symptoms may include a persistent dry cough, pains in the chest and abdomen as well as weight loss, chest cold, and difficulty breathing. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most frequently used treatments for mesothelioma. Other treatment options include immunotherapy, treatment for tumors fields and the virotherapy. These methods can be used to fight mesothelioma, and increase the likelihood of survival. Patients should be aware of mesothelioma's rareness, regardless of the treatment they are using.