Mesothelioma Caused by ArsenicLong-term arsenic exposure may lead to symptoms like needles and pins in the toes and fingers, garlic smell on the breath and skin, and changes in the skin's pigmentation. It also increases the risk of lung cancer.Exposure to arsenic typically occurs by drinking water that is contaminated or eating food grown in contaminated soils. It could also happen at work, when working on asbestos-related project.CausesArsenic is a natural element found in many aspects of our environment. The human body requires it in small amounts to function properly, but excessive exposure can cause serious health problems. Long-term exposure to asbestos can cause cancer and heart disease, along with lung conditions and mesothelioma. Exposure can happen when people work in certain industries, or eating contaminated food. This element is also found in soil and in water, especially in areas where mining and smelting have occurred.Inorganic arsenic is present at high levels in groundwater of many countries which include Argentina, Bangladesh, China, India and Mexico. The most common exposure is by drinking water that is contaminated, or eating crops that were irrigated with arsenic contaminated water. It can also be consumed in the form of seafood, shellfish, meat and dairy products.Although exposure to arsenic in the short term may cause symptoms like skin coloration nausea, diarrhea, and weakness, the most dangerous effects are associated with prolonged or continuous exposure. It is linked to a higher risk of kidney, bladder and skin cancers, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Exposure to radiation can also affect a person's mental capabilities and intelligence.Research has proven that arsenic can affect the body's endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for maintaining the body's homeostasis, as well as controlling the development and growth processes. Therefore, interference can result in serious consequences. Scientists have discovered that even low levels of testosterone can affect the endocrine system and trigger many health problems.The exposure to arsenic can occur at the workplace when people use a product that contains the chemical, for example, metal-based pesticides or wood treatment chemicals. It can also occur when individuals consume contaminated foods or drinking water, for example, rice. TOXMAP is a well-known online tool that provides information about arsenic contamination in the United States. It contains maps of the United States as well as details on chemical releases from government agencies. One can also test for arsenic levels in their own drinking water through an in-person testing service.SymptomsMesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can affect the linings of organs within the body like the lungs. It can take years for it to develop and is often detected in patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos. Patients may experience chest pain, coughing or shortness breath. A correct diagnosis of mesothelioma is essential for receiving treatment that will improve your health and prolong your life expectancy. A misdiagnosis can derail the process and lead to delays in the delivery of effective treatments.The time of latency for lung cancer caused by arsenic is distinct from that of asbestos and radon. The carcinogen causes cancer in a variety of ways. mesothelioma is caused by exposure to , radon, and arsenic target the cells that line the lungs. Arsenic targets the cells of other areas. This distinction as revealed by a recent study, could explain why the risk of developing cancer caused by arsenic is high even after exposure has ended.This study focused on people from northern Chile who were exposed to high levels of arsenic in their public water supply. Water from rivers that contained high concentrations of the mineral was diverted to the capital city of Antofagasta for 13 years starting in the 1950s. This resulted in increased cancer rates in this area of the country, including increased incidences of bladder cancer and lung cancer.Other minerals, like tin and lead, can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos fibres are small and can be inhaled easily. These fibres can cause irritation to the lungs and create abnormal cancerous cells. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure.Doctors make use of a variety of tests to determine mesothelioma. This includes a physical examination as well as blood tests and imaging scans. A patient's doctor may refer them to a specialist for these tests, which could help doctors confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Imaging scans include X-rays, CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography). Doctors can also request the procedure of a biopsy. A biopsy is done by removing a small portion of tissue or fluid from the tumor to be scrutinized under a microscope for cancerous cells.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects tissue surrounding organs. It is usually found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs, but can also affect the tissues surrounding the heart and abdomen. It is usually caused through exposure to asbestos which can be found in the workplace or in home building materials. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that are able to be separated into thin, long fibers. These fibres can be inhaled and cause mesothelioma when they reach the lung. Asbestos can also be sucked up and swallowed, which may cause mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. After exposure, mesothelioma can take up to 60 years to develop.While most mesotheliomas are caused by asbestos, other chemicals can cause the disease too. Arsenic is present in water supplies that are contaminated and in certain types of waste and even in certain food items. Asbestos can be spread through secondary exposure, such as when people who have asbestos on their clothing or equipment bring the fibers home to their loved relatives. Professionals who have frequent contact with asbestos - such as miners, shipyard workers, and construction workers are at greater risk of being exposed. However, mesothelioma can occur in those who have no occupational exposure.The uniqueness of northern Chile makes it a perfect location to examine long-term latency patterns of arsenic-related ailments. The largest city in the region, Antofagasta, received high levels of arsenic in its drinking water from 1958 to 1970. The levels dropped after the construction of an treatment plant.In this case control study of 306 bladder and 232 lung cancer cases and 640 ageand gender-matched controls researchers found evidence of dose-response relationships between arsenic exposure and cancer. They also found that lung SqCCs associated with arsenic exposure exhibited distinctive genomic alterations not seen in non-arsenic-associated lung cancers.These findings can assist health professionals in developing strategies to reduce the risk of long-term illness and obtaining the resources required to implement them. They could aid in improving screening for mesothelioma well. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed with X-rays, blood tests and an exploratory surgery known as a biopsy.TreatmentMesothelioma, a rare cancer which can be fatal, is a disease that affects the tissues surrounding vital organs such as the abdomen or lungs. The disease is often caused by asbestos fibres or other contaminants in the environment. A doctor will identify mesothelioma following tests for blood and imaging scans. Mesothelioma patients must be sure to report all of their asbestos-related contacts to their general oncologists, so they don't get a misdiagnosis.Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pains, and trouble breathing. Men are more likely to be affected by mesothelioma than women, and it can take up to 40 years for the disease to manifest after exposure. Mesothelioma is typically treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. This treatment is not available to all who suffers from mesothelioma. Patients need to consult a doctor.A recent study of mesothelioma patients in northern Chile found that arsenic-related oxidative stress causes the mesothelioma. This oxidative stress triggers the creation of free radicals which can cause DNA damage and increase the risk of mesothelioma as well as other illnesses. Arsenic compounds such arsenite or arsenate interfere with cellular reactions and compete with the phosphate transport. This can lead to a depolarization of mitochondrial membranes and glutathione depletion, which can increase free radical production.Asbestos, arsenic, and the radon are all well-known carcinogens in the lung, which cause many molecular changes. These include mutations, gene amplification and epigenetic changes like DNA methylation. Arsenic, asbestos, and other chemicals have been associated with mesothelioma pleural. This is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. When fibres are breathed in or coughed into the lungs, they can cause cancer of the peritoneal region.Unlike most other regions that are extremely exposed in the world, northern Chile only has a few large public water supplies that are known arsenic concentrations that are well-known and have extensive historic records. These factors allowed researchers to generate precise estimates of lifetime exposure for the subjects of the study. Researchers were able to use this data, to establish clear dose-response relations between arsenic and bladder and lung carcinoma in smokers and nonsmokers. The results showed an increase in the risk of developing cancer as arsenic levels within drinking water increased.