Mesothelioma Caused by ArsenicArsenic may cause symptoms like pins and numbness on the fingers and hands and a garlic-like odor on the breath and skin and changes in the skin's pigmentation. It may also increase the risk of lung carcinoma. can a single exposure to asbestos cause mesothelioma is typically through drinking water contaminated by arsenic or eating food grown in soils that have been contaminated. It can also happen at work, when working on asbestos-related project.CausesArsenic is a natural element found in many aspects of our environment. It is essential for the human body to function, however excessive exposure could cause serious health problems. Exposure to asbestos over a long period of time could lead to cancers and heart disease, along with mesothelioma and lung conditions. Exposure can occur when people work in certain industries or consume food that is contaminated. The element can also be present in water and soil, especially in areas where mining or smelting has occurred.Inorganic arsenic is found in high levels in the groundwater of a variety of countries, including Argentina, Bangladesh China, India and Mexico. Consuming water that is contaminated or eating crops which have been irrigated with arsenic-contaminated waters are the most frequent sources of exposure. It can be consumed in the form or shellfish meat, fish and dairy products.Arsenic exposure can cause short-term effects like skin discoloration, nausea and diarrhea however the most harmful adverse effects are caused by chronic or prolonged exposure. It has been associated with an increased risk of bladder, kidney, and skin cancers. Heart disease and diabetes are also connected. Exposure can also impact an individual's cognitive and intelligence capabilities.Research has revealed that arsenic has a negative effect on the body's endocrine system. The system of endocrine is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and controlling growth and development, so any interference can have far-reaching consequences. Scientists have shown that even low levels of testosterone can influence the endocrine system and cause various health issues.The exposure to arsenic can occur in the workplace if workers use a product that contains the substance, like wood treatment or pesticides containing metal chemicals. Arsenic can also be found in water or food items that are contaminated such as rice. A well-known online tool, TOXMAP, provides users with information about arsenic contamination in the United States. It includes marked-up maps of the country and information about locations of chemical releases by government agencies. You can also test for arsenic levels in their own drinking water using a local testing service.SymptomsMesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the lining of our body's organs, including the lungs. It can take years for it to develop and is most often diagnosed in patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos. Patients may experience a variety of symptoms, including coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath. Getting an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis is the first step in receiving treatment that can increase life expectancy and improve quality of life. A misdiagnosis can derail the process and cause delays in the delivery of effective treatments.The time between the onset of lung cancer caused by arsenic differs from asbestos and the radon. The carcinogen causes cancer in a variety of ways. Asbestos, radon and arsenic target the cells that line lungs. Arsenic targets the cells of other parts. A new study suggests this is the reason the relative risks of arsenic-related cancers persist after exposure to the substance has stopped.This study focused on people living in northern Chile who were exposed to high levels of arsenic within their public water supply. In the 1950s, river water containing arsenic at high levels was diverted for 13 years to Antofagasta. This led to elevated cancer rates in this region of the country, which included more cases of bladder cancer and lung cancer.Although asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma-related cause but other minerals can cause the disease, such as mercury, lead, and tin. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and can be inhaled easily. These fibres can cause damage to the lung by causing irritation and generating abnormal cancerous cells. It usually takes 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma develop after exposure to asbestos.Doctors employ a variety of tests to identify mesothelioma. They include physical examinations and blood tests, as well as imaging scans. A patient's GP might refer them to a specialist for these tests, which will aid doctors in confirming a mesothelioma diagnosis and determine whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Imaging scans can include X-rays CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography). Additionally, doctors can require a biopsy of the tumour. A biopsy is carried out by removing a small sample of tissue or fluid from the tumor. It is then examined under a microscope to detect cancerous cells.DiagnosisMesothelioma affects the surrounding tissues of organs. It is most commonly found in the lining (pleura) of the lungs, but can also affect the surrounding tissues of the heart and abdomen. It is most often caused through exposure to asbestos which can occur at workplaces or in construction materials. Asbestos is one of the minerals that can be split into thin, long fibres. They can be breathed into the lungs, where they can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos can be swallowed, or coughed up, which can cause cancer of the peritoneal region. Mesothelioma may take 20 to 60 years or more to develop following exposure to asbestos.Other chemicals may also cause mesothelioma. Arsenic is found in drinking water that has been contaminated, certain types of waste, and even some food items. Asbestos is spread through secondary exposure. For instance, people with asbestos on their clothing or equipment, they pass the fibers on to their family members. People who work in occupations which require long-term exposure to asbestos, like shipyard workers and miners, are at a higher chance of being exposed. Mesothelioma can occur in those who have not been exposed to asbestos in their work.The unique situation of northern Chile makes it a perfect area to study long-term latency patterns for arsenic-related diseases. Antofagasta was the largest city in the region, and had high levels of arsenic present in its drinking water from 1958 between 1958 and 1970. The levels fell after the construction of a water treatment plant.Researchers found that arsenic exposure is associated with cancer in a case-control study involving the cases of 232 lung cancers, 306 bladder cancers and 640 age and gender-matched controls. 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 aid public health officials in preparing strategies to reduce the risk of long-term illness and obtaining the necessary resources to implement them. They may also help improve the screening process for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed through blood tests, X-rays and an exploratory surgery known as a biopsy.TreatmentMesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer that affects the tissue surrounding vital organs, like the lungs and abdomen. The disease is typically caused by exposure to asbestos fibers however it could also develop as a result of contaminated water supplies or other environmental pollutants. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma following tests for blood and imaging scans. Mesothelioma patients need to describe all of their past asbestos contact to their general oncologists, so that they do not receive a misdiagnosis.Mesothelioma symptoms include chest pains and trouble breathing. It could take anywhere from 15 to 40 years for mesothelioma development after exposure, and men are more susceptible than women. Mesothelioma is usually treated using chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. However, this isn't available for everyone with mesothelioma, so patients should seek the advice of a specialist.Recent research on mesothelioma patients in northern Chile has found that arsenic is the cause of the oxidative stress. This oxidative stress triggers creation of free radicals which can damage DNA and increase the risk of mesothelioma as well as other illnesses. Arsenic compounds, like arsenite and arsenate, interfere with cellular redox reactions and interfere with phosphate transport. This can lead to a depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane and glutathione depletion, which increases free radical production.Asbestos is a known lung cancer trigger, as are arsenic, radon, and other chemicals. These chemicals can trigger various molecular changes. These include mutations and epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation. Arsenic and asbestos have been associated with pleural mesothelioma which is the most frequent mesothelioma. When fibres are breathed in or coughed into the lungs they can cause peritoneal cancer.Northern Chile unlike other regions that are highly exposed, has only a few major water sources. These contain arsenic levels that are well-known and have extensive historical records. These factors made it possible to make accurate estimations of the lifetime exposure of the participants in the study. With this information, researchers were able to establish clear dose-response correlations between arsenic exposure and lung and bladder cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. The results showed that the risk of developing these cancers increased as the level of arsenic present in drinking water increased.