Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma?It isn't always easy to identify mesothelioma due to the fact that cancerous cells may look similar to other types of tissues. However, a combination of chest x-rays and CT scans and biopsy, can help doctors make the diagnosis.The symptoms include discomfort in the chest or abdomen, hoarseness, fatigue and weight loss. The symptoms usually worsen as time passes.AsbestosOver 9 out of 10 cases of mesothelioma have been linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral is a naturally occurring. It was used in a variety of industries until the 1980s when blue and brown asbestos were banned. They were followed in 1999 by all forms of asbestos. People who have been exposed to or worked with blue, brown, or white asbestos are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma. This is particularly the case for those who worked in the military or working in industries prior to the ban.Mesothelioma develops by asbestos fibres that cause irritation to the mesothelial cell membrane. The irritation causes abnormal cell growth, which later develops into cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the linings that surround the internal organs of the human body, such as the lung.Asbestos exposure is usually result of daily brushing or handling of the mineral. This includes jobs in shipbuilding, factories and maintenance of vehicles. However asbestos exposure can be found in schools and homes, particularly if the material is removed or disturbed without the proper precautions.Asbestos fibers are carried by the air to the lungs, where they settle on the lung's lining. While some of these fibers are eliminated from the lungs in a matter of hours but others may remain in the lungs for years. Certain fibres can travel into the outer lining or peritoneum of the abdomen. They cause the lining, which is known as the peritoneum, to thicken and swell which can lead to peritoneal mesothelioma.Asbestos exposure can also impact those who are not employed in these occupations like relatives of those who deal with or work with asbestos regularly. It is believed that asbestos fibers can be absorbed by household members through hair or clothing or contact with the affected person's skin. Mesothelioma can also be passed down through the generations when a parent was exposed to asbestos. A person's risk of mesothelioma may increase if they carry an inherited mutation that causes them to be more sensitive to asbestos, or other forms of chemical exposure.Exposure to other chemicalsOther chemicals could play a role in mesothelioma. Asbestos is the most common cause however, other chemicals may also be involved. mesothelioma causes in industries that use other carcinogens are more likely of developing mesothelioma. For instance, as those who repair or maintain oil and gas pipelines. In the same way, those who are exposed to high doses of radiation to treat other diseases are at higher risk than those who don't.Genetics and age are both risk factors. The majority of mesothelioma cases occur in people over 60. Most patients have an ancestral history of the disease. Mesothelioma is also more prevalent for smokers. This is probably because asbestos fibers can get into the lungs via the mouth or nose.If you are concerned that you might have mesothelioma then you must see a doctor immediately. They will be asked about their asbestos exposure, and the doctor may do a physical exam to check for mesothelioma signs like chest pain or breathing difficulties. The doctor may also recommend scans of the chest or abdomen to detect evidence of fluid buildup for example, a pleural melanoma. These scans are made using CT (computer tomography), MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging), PET scans (positron emission tomography) or X rays.The results of these tests will help the doctor determine whether mesothelioma is present and at what stage it is in. The earlier mesothelioma is detected the better the chance for survival.If a doctor suspects a patient has mesothelioma they will refer them to an expert for further tests. Based on the location the location of the mesothelioma, the specialist will run additional tests to determine the type of mesothelioma it is and in which part of the body it is growing. These tests can be performed in a hospital, or at a specialty cancer clinic. Mesothelioma specialists can request biopsies for testing the mesothelioma in samples of tissue. The specialist will also discuss the patient's treatment options. They can suggest treatments like surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.GeneticsMesothelioma may be more common in people who inherit genetic mutations, like the BAP1 gene mutation. These mutations are not the sole cause of this asbestos-related cancer. Instead, most people who have mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos, and usually it takes a long time before symptoms of the disease begin to manifest.Mesothelioma cancer cells are abnormally shaped and develop tumors in the lining of the chest cavity (pleura) or abdomen. The tumors may then expand to other parts of the body and trigger a variety serious symptoms. These symptoms can include breathlessness, fluid in the lungs or abdominal pain.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma based on biopsy samples and what kind of cells constitute the tumor. There are three distinct mesothelioma types: epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The epithelioid type of cell is responsible for 70 percent of mesothelioma cases and responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma is rarer and usually has a lower prognosis than epithelioid. Biphasic Mesothelioma can be a combination of two cell types. It is typically more difficult to treat.Scientists are trying to discover mesothelioma genes and how they impact the likelihood of a person developing the disease. This research will help doctors diagnose mesothelioma more precisely. This research will also aid scientists in finding treatments for each patient.Researchers study the mutations that occur in cancerous and healthy cells using DNA tests. This helps them determine if mesothelioma is triggered by genetics or asbestos exposure.Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. The exposure is usually related to work, but it is possible for family members to be exposed due to exposure through secondhand sources. This is particularly the case if a person 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 the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos in their work. It is important to diagnose mesothelioma and get the proper treatment, even though it is a rare condition. Incorrect diagnosis can give cancer time to spread and can lead to serious complications.SmokingSmokers are more likely to develop mesothelioma than non-smokers. This is due to the fact that smoking products that contain asbestos or other chemicals can cause irritation of the lung lining and chest organs. Mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer has a focus on the lining.Asbestos is a class of minerals that make thin strong fibers. These fibers aren't soluble in water or can't be broken down using chemicals. Asbestos was mined for different purposes such as construction and auto parts before scientists realized it was dangerous. The exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos in the workplace, like veterans and construction workers, are at the greatest risk.If exposed to asbestos, inhaling the pointed fibers may cause irritation to the lining of your lungs and other parts of the body that have a lining similar to the pleura. This irritation could cause the body to produce cancerous cells that can cause mesothelioma tumors.Symptoms of mesothelioma can mimic those of lung cancer, and are often mistakenly diagnosed. This could delay treatment, which gives the cancer more time for spreading. A diagnosis is typically made through imaging tests and the procedure of a biopsy. The biopsy can be used to determine the type of mesothelioma cells a patient has. There are three mesothelioma cell types: epithelioid, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma has a superior prognosis and is easier to treat than the two other types.Researchers are looking at ways to identify mesothelioma at an earlier stage. One of the most promising blood tests is to measure levels of a substance that is released by mesothelioma cancer cells. Researchers believe this can aid in identifying mesothelioma patients who are more likely to respond to treatment.Asbestos sufferers should inform their doctor whether they have any previous history of smoking. Smoking cigarettes can affect your body's ability to fight mesothelioma asbestos-related illnesses and other diseases. Smoking cigarettes can make mesothelioma harder to treat since it can hinder the body's ability to heal after chemotherapy and other treatments for cancer. Smoking can also cause other health issues that can make it harder for people to endure mesothelioma treatments.