Mesothelioma Cancer - What is Mesothelioma Cancer Caused From?Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line organ cavities, including the abdomen and chest cavity. More than 80 percent of cases start in the lung lining however, it can also grow in the lining of the heart or in the testicles.The symptoms can take between 10 and 50 years to manifest and often are mistaken for less serious illnesses. Chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing are just a few of the symptoms.Asbestos ExposureMesothelioma, a form of cancer is a disease that affects the linings which protect certain organs. It is most common in the linings of the lungs (pleural msothelioma), and the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma).Asbestos is one of the fibrous minerals extensively used in the 20th century for industrial, commercial and military purposes due to its durability and fire-resistant, insulating, soundproofing and inexpensive. Despite these benefits asbestos was later discovered to be a carcinogen and was banned in the United States in 1977. The most frequent exposure to asbestos occurs in places where asbestos-based materials were installed in shipyards, power plants factories, and construction sites. However, there are some who have exposure through secondhand sources such as the homes of those who are directly working with asbestos-based materials.The exposure to asbestos can occur when people carry asbestos fibers on their clothing, skin and hair into their homes. Paraoccupational exposure is what it's called, and puts the family members of those exposed to asbestos at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma. There is evidence that suggests that asbestos workers are more likely than other workers to bring the material home in their clothes, shoes and tools. This exposes their family members to asbestos.When people are diagnosed with mesothelioma by their doctor, they will suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine how advanced the cancer is. Mesothelioma is classified as biphasic or sarcomatoid. Epithelioid is the most common form and responds best to treatment. The mesothelioma with sarcomatoid features a poorer prognosis and is less responsive to treatments.It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma early because it can take 10 to 50 years before symptoms be evident. Some symptoms are mistaken as less serious illnesses such as pneumonia or the flu. Because of this, mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed. Consult your doctor if been exposed asbestos and are experiencing symptoms. You may need to be screened for mesothelioma. The sooner a person is diagnosed, the better options they have to treat. People who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma comprise those who have a history of asbestos exposure, particularly those working in high-risk sectors and those who have a family history of the disease.GeneticsResearchers are still working to understand the genetic science behind mesothelioma. They are looking for any present mutations that may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos. These genetic changes can help doctors diagnose and treat cancer patients better.A mutation in the DNA of mesothelial cells triggers the disease. The sharp edge of asbestos fibers alters the genetic balance of these cells. This causes them duplicate and live longer that they would normally. They create clumps, which grow into tumors. A number of studies have shown that asbestos-related patients are more likely to have certain gene mutations than those who were not exposed.Some of these genes generate proteins that regulate the growth, duplication, and death of mesothelial cells. Based on the mutation that occurs, these proteins may become over-expressed or under-expressed and lead to an abnormal growth of cells. BAP1 is an excellent example. Genetic mutations in the BAP1 gene cause the loss of a vital enzyme that is normally responsible for stopping mesothelioma cancerous cells from growing.Scientists have discovered several other gene mutations among mesothelioma sufferers. Some of these mutations could be cured by targeted treatments that target and eliminate cancerous mesothelioma tumor cells without harming healthy ones. Mesothelioma specialists have also discovered the SV40 virus, which is unique in its ability to hide within mesothelial cells and alter their genetic structure. SV40 has been linked to the growth of mesothelioma in a number of patients and can be tested for by a variety of tests.Despite the fact that mesothelioma has an element of genetics, there is still no conclusive evidence to prove that certain people are more susceptible to the cancer. This is the reason it is vital to identify and discuss any risks with your doctor. Risk factors do not directly cause cancer, but they do dramatically increase your odds of developing it. Recognizing the risk factors in your life and taking steps to reduce them can dramatically improve the prognosis of mesothelioma. Avoiding asbestos exposure and smoking, for example can lower your mesothelioma risk.SmokingMesothelioma cancers grow in the cells that line the cavities in the body, including those found in the chest and abdomen. The mesothelioma cancerous cells can break free of their membrane and invade surrounding tissues, causing them to grow out of control and create tumors. Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals which was once used extensively in the construction industry and other industries. The fibers are so tiny that they could get into the lungs and damage the lining. It can trigger symptoms like breathlessness, chest pains and difficulty breathing.The most common type of mesothelioma is found in the pleura or the lining that surrounds the lung. This is known as pleural mesothelioma and it is responsible for approximately 90% of all mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma may also develop in the peritoneum or at other locations like the heart or reproductive organs. Mesothelioma can be caused by genetics or radiation exposure.If a doctor suspects that mesothelioma has been found in a patient, they will refer the patient to a specialist for certain tests. These can include imaging scans like CT and MRI, and a biopsy. A mesothelioma biopsy involves removing tiny amounts of affected tissue and studying it with a magnifying glass to look for evidence of cancer.The treatment for mesothelioma involves controlling symptoms and reducing the spread of cancerous cells. Patients may be prescribed palliative treatment to help them feel more at ease during mesothelioma therapy. This may include regular chest drainage or painkillers. When they undergo mesothelioma treatment patients may also require the support of family and friends. Our team of support care clinicians can help patients and their loved ones with the emotional as well as financial support they require.RadiationThe cancerous mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in a thin layer of tissue that surrounds many of the internal organs of the body. The cancer develops due to a series mutations that occur in the DNA (genetic code) of cells. As the cells multiply and expand and develop tumors, they can cause that are not healthy and can irritate nearby tissues. Cancerous cells can spread and invade organs or tissues.Doctors employ a variety of tests to determine mesothelioma. The most commonly used tests include biopsy, X-rays and CT scans. A biopsy is a process in which a small piece of mesothelioma is removed, then scrutinized under a microscope to detect signs of cancer. epithelioid mesothelioma causes -rays or CT scans may show the lining of the lungs, fluid accumulation in the chest wall, or cancerous lumps.Treatment with radiation therapy for the treatment of mesothelioma is beams of high-energy rays (typically Gamma-rays and X-rays) that are used to kill the cancer. Radiation also can shrink tumors and make them easier to remove surgically. As part of a multimodal treatment for mesothelioma, it is often combined with surgery and/or chemotherapy.During radiation treatment, doctors use imaging tests in order to pinpoint the exact location and amount of radiation required to kill cancer cells. The radiation is directed towards mesothelioma and the treatment is repeated every week at intervals of five to six weeks. The newer treatments for mesothelioma are more precise, and may help protect the surrounding tissue from damage.Certain mesothelioma patients can benefit from a special type of radiation called proton therapy, which is similar to Xrays but delivers more targeted radiation to cancerous cells and helps reduce side effects. It has helped some patients live longer with their mesothelioma.Radiation is often used to treat mesothelioma symptoms or prolong life following surgery. Radiation is often utilized in conjunction with aggressive curative treatments, like chemotherapy or surgical procedures. It is a viable option for mesothelioma patients which has advanced to a terminal stage. It is able to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells, and stop their growth or spread. It also helps extend a patient's quality of life by helping to reduce pain and discomfort.