Mesothelioma - What Causes It?Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can live longer if treatment is started immediately. Surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can improve the chances of survival.Mesothelioma occurs in cells that line certain parts of the body, particularly those around the abdomen and chest. The most prevalent type of mesothelioma is the pleural, which is found in the linings of the lungs.Exposure to AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is made up of strong and microscopic fibers. From the 1930s to the 1980s, it was extensively employed in building materials, automobiles and ships as well as a variety of other things. This is because it resists fire, heat and water. Unfortunately, asbestos manufacturers knew it was hazardous, but concealed this information from the general public. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can happen at work or at home. The most frequent areas of asbestos exposure are in shipyards, factories and construction sites. Workers in these jobs are exposed to asbestos either through direct contact with the substance or through exposure via secondhand sources when workers bring home stray fibers on their clothing or hair.Asbestos fibers can get into the lungs and be inhaled or swallowed. This can cause irritation to the lining of the chest cavity, or pleura. In time, this may cause scar tissue or a condition called asbestosis. Asbestosis can cause breathing problems and other health issues. In rare instances it can also lead to a tumor in the lung called mesothelioma.Even exposure to asbestos for a short time can cause mesothelioma, but the disease typically takes 15-40 years after exposure to be diagnosed. The risk of mesothelioma increases as you age, and men are more likely to develop the disease than women. A family history of the disease can increase the chance of developing it.While other factors have been associated with mesothelioma, including radiation, erionite and zeolites, asbestos is the primary cause of this serious cancer. Contact your doctor right away if you are experiencing symptoms after exposure to asbestos. You may be able to make an asbestos compensation claim to help pay for treatment and other costs. Talk to a lawyer about your options. A lawyer who has experience dealing with mesothelioma cases will explain to you your rights under the law and the best way to make an action. Early diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma is crucial. It is best to seek treatment in a mesothelioma specialist hospital.Radiation exposureMesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of tissue that protects and covers internal organs (mesothelium). The pleura, also known as the lining of the lungs and chest is the most frequent type. Other, less common types are found in the tissue surrounding the heart and in the vicinity of the testicles. People who have worked with asbestos can also develop mesothelioma on their abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or around the colon and intestines (pericardial mesothelioma).The majority of cases of mesothelioma is due to exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals that have microscopic fibers. In the past, asbestos was mined because of its durability. It was also used in the construction of insulation brakes, insulation, and other products. When asbestos is broken up into fibers, they may be inhaled and airborne. They can also be swallowed. If they are consumed, fibers can harm cells DNA and cause out-of-control cell growth. Mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after exposure.The exposure to radiation has also been linked to mesothelioma. Radiation can be harmful for mesothelioma patients due to the fact that it can damage mesothelium cell structures. Researchers are trying to determine if mesothelioma can be caused by cellular changes either through genes or both. In certain studies, mesothelioma patients have inherited a mutation within a gene that increases their risk for developing the disease.Doctors treat mesothelioma by removing the cancerous tissue or administering chemotherapy and other medications to reduce or kill cancerous cells and prevent them from expanding. Doctors can use the immunotherapy method, targeted therapy and other treatments to improve the quality of life of mesothelioma sufferers.A physical exam and other tests are the most effective way to diagnose Mesothelioma. Imaging tests like X radiations, computed-tomography scans (CT) and positron emission tomography are also available. Blood samples can be used to determine the levels of specific chemicals released by mesothelioma cancer cells. These tests can aid doctors detect mesothelioma earlier, when it is more likely to be treated.Asbestos.com's mesothelioma specialists are on hand to discuss treatment options. Our mesothelioma specialists are able to attend every major international and national mesothelioma events, and are on top of the latest treatments clinical trials, research and results. We can assist you in finding the most competent medical professionals and legal representation for you.GeneticsThe thin layer of tissues surrounding the major internal organs of the body is where mesothelioma begins to develop. Mesothelioma that is cancerous can start in the tissue layer that covers every lung (pleural msothelioma) or the surrounding lining of the heart and stomach (peritoneal msothelioma).The genes of a person determine whether their immune system is capable of fighting cancer, and how fast a tumor can grow. When a gene becomes damaged, it may trigger overexpression or underexpression of proteins that control cell growth and division. These proteins can cause cancerous cells to grow, divide, and multiply uncontrollably when they are overexpressed.Asbestos is known to be a cause of mesothelioma. However, not everyone exposed to asbestos develops cancer. Mesothelioma is thought to be inherited in some instances, which implies that people who have certain genetic mutations are more likely to get this type of cancer. But, research is continuing to discover the connection between hereditary factors and mesothelioma.Scientists have discovered numerous types of mesothelioma. Each type has its unique causes. Some are more aggressive than others and have a poor prognosis. Doctors can help patients understand the mesothelioma type they have and how it can affect them through tests for gene expression to look at the genetic makeup of the cancer. is mesothelioma always caused by asbestos can help to determine the aggressiveness of a patient's cancer and the extent of its spread. They can determine if there's a high level of genes that make immunosuppressive proteins like PD L1 and B7. When doctors know this information, they can utilize checkpoint inhibitors to stimulate the immune system and stop mesothelioma from spreading further.Researchers believe that even though there is no definitive link between hereditary factors, mesothelioma and these genes are involved in about 20-30 percent of cases. As more information on mesothelioma and its causes is available, patients should consider testing their genetics in the event of a history of asbestos exposure. This is particularly true when their relatives have been diagnosed with the disease.LifestyleA person's lifestyle may play a role in the risk of developing cancer. The majority of cancers are caused by the genetic mutations that accumulate in cells. The abnormal cells multiply and grow out of control. They grow and develop into tumors that can infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue. Mesothelioma, for instance, is a form of cancer that has several risk factors.Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops within the thin layer of tissue that covers most of our internal organs (mesothelium). It is usually malignant. This means that it is cancerous, and will spread if not treated. Mesothelioma is classified by doctors according to the area of the mesothelium that has been affected. The most prevalent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region. It is a form of cancer that develops around the lung's lining and the chest cavity. However, it is possible to develop mesothelioma in the abdomen's lining or around the heart.The symptoms of mesothelioma generally don't manifest until it is in an advanced stage. The symptoms may include a constant dry cough or chest pains and abdomen as well as weight loss, fever, and difficulty breathing. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery are the most frequently used treatment options for mesothelioma. Other options for treatment include a combination of these, immunotherapy and emerging methods such as tumor treating fields and virotherapy. These techniques help fight mesothelioma, and can prolong the duration of treatment. However, regardless of the mesothelioma treatment you choose to use patients must be aware that the disease is rare.