Mesothelioma - What Causes It?Mesothelioma affects the organ's linings. The primary mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos strands can get into the abdomen or lungs and adhere to mesothelial cells membranes.People who have had a history of occupational asbestos exposure are the most at risk, including miners shipbuilders, plumbers, construction workers, electricians, and remodelers of older homes. Families of asbestos-exposed persons are also at a higher level of risk. what is mesothelioma cancer caused from was extensively used in the construction and other industries, until the end of the 20th century. After toxicological studies proved asbestos to be carcinogenic, the developed countries began to regulate or prohibit asbestos (Europe, Australia).Asbestos is a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers which are extremely durable as well as fire-resistant, heat-resistant and. When they are disturbed the fibers can become airborne and be introduced into the body through inhalation or swallowing. They may then get stuck in the mesothelium which is lining the lungs, heart stomach, and other organs. This exposure occurs over an extended period of time. The symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until decades after exposure.The most prevalent form of mesothelioma is one that affects the lungs. In some cases, it may also affect the chest wall, abdomen or testis. In most cases mesothelioma is caused by an aggressive (cancerous), mesothelial growth in the mesothelium. The reason for the mutations in these cells is not identified.The highest risk is for workers who have been exposed to asbestos. Workers who have worked in mines or shipyards, or who have used asbestos-containing materials, such as roofing or insulation or manual labor that has resulted in contact with asbestos, are at risk. The inhalation of asbestos dust is also possible at your home. This is especially the case when you're remodeling or repairing old homes.A mesothelioma-related family history increases the risk of a person developing the disease, as does the smoking habits of a person. Mesothelioma is also more likely to develop when you have a genetic predisposition for cancer.Asbestos patients typically develop mesothelioma in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. However some patients have been diagnosed as early as their 30s and 40s. The majority of the time, asbestos exposure in the workplace is caused by men. Between one-third and half of mesothelioma sufferers are military veterans, who were exposed to asbestos while at military bases as well as on ships and during construction. Additionally, a small percent of patients were exposed to the mineral that occurs naturally talc.GeneticsMany asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, have a genetic component. Scientists haven't determined exactly how, but genetic mutations play an important role in the development of this cancer. Mutations alter the code of a gene that creates the protein that controls cell growth and death, duplication and. The mutations enable cells to develop cancer. Asbestos damages DNA and causes irritation to the cells, causing mesothelioma.Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the organs inside your body. Three out of four cases start in the lungs, but it can also occur in the abdomen or around the testicles and the heart. It's less common for mesothelioma cases to occur outside of the lungs, but it is possible to get it.Researchers have examined the connection between mesothelioma genetics and mesothelioma studying family clusters of the disease. In one instance four members of the same family died from malignant mesothelioma. Researchers believe that hereditary factors could have played a role in each of the deceased. Each of them had a history involving asbestos exposure.Patients with this condition typically have a mutation in the BAP1 gene which is responsible for mesothelioma. This gene controls the body's self-regulation and ability to eliminate cancerous cells. If the gene is altered, it allows cancerous mesothelioma cells to grow out of control and spread to other parts of the body.Patients suffering from this type of cancer also have mutations in NF2 mesothelioma-related genes. This gene is responsible for how a protein known as PD-L1 interacts the immune system. Mutations of the cancerous gene cause it to cause PD-L1 to overexpress. This decreases the immune system’s ability to fight mesothelioma.Certain patients are affected by a mix of environmental and genetic factors. This could include a patient's age, their location when they were exposed to asbestos, and what type of asbestos was employed in their work. The older a person was when they were exposed to asbestos the more likely they are to have mesothelioma diagnosed. This is because the disease is a long-term illness that takes between 20 and 40 years to develop. Women also have a poorer prognosis for mesothelioma than males.SmokingMesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the form of a thin layer of tissue which protects the majority of internal organs. Untreated, mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer can be fatal.Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. It develops when asbestos fibers are introduced into the lungs. Once in the lungs asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lining around the lungs and chest cavity, called the Pleura. As time passes the fibers cause irritation to the pleura and cause DNA changes that can lead to the formation of cancerous cells that are abnormal.The cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and develop into the form of a tumor. This is the most prominent mesothelioma symptoms. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. As the cancer grows it may spread to other organs. Most often, it is the lung. Mesothelioma may also affect the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).Different kinds of asbestos have been employed in the past to provide its durability, strength and fire resistance. Certain occupations, like construction workers, industrial workers, and military veterans who are exposed to asbestos are more at chance of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos is a group of minerals with microscopic fibers that are resistant to heat and conduct electricity. It is a naturally occurring mineral that was mined and used in a variety of industries.Researchers have discovered that chrysotile and amphibole asbestos, and erionite raise the mesothelioma threat. It is not clear, however, how asbestos types or levels contribute to the development of mesothelioma.While mesothelioma does not have cure, treatment options can help patients manage their symptoms and prolong their lives. Doctors treat mesothelioma with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. They also provide support services to patients and their loved ones. The goal is to keep patients as comfortable as is possible and assist them in achieving their treatment goals and extending their life. Some patients have impressive survival rates. Patients who have survived mesothelioma can be an inspiration to others facing this illness.Environmental ExposureAsbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally made up of strong and thermally resistant fibers. The fibers can be suspended in the air for long periods, making them easy to inhale or take in accidentally. The asbestos-containing particles can irritate organ linings, and can cause cancer. Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lungs but can be located in the abdomen or in the heart.Asbestos causes mesothelioma by altering the DNA of cells that make up the lining of body organs. The mutations that cause cancer can cause tumors to develop and expand. In contrast to other types of cancer, mesothelioma suffers from a long latency period between exposure to asbestos and manifestation of symptoms.People are the most at risk of developing mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The highest risk of mesothelioma is for people who handle asbestos at work, such as shipbuilders, electricians, boiler workers, and others. However, blue-collar jobs that involved contact with asbestos in the workplace prior to the federal regulations were put in place in the 1970s could result in mesothelioma. Additionally, some people were exposed to mesothelioma through secondhand exposure. These cases involve loved ones who brought home the fibers on their hair, clothing or shoes from work sites.Veterans also have a higher risk of mesothelioma. The military has used asbestos extensively in ships, vehicles and armor. A variety of asbestos types were employed in the military, but chrysotile is particularly associated with mesothelioma.Radiation and genetics are also risk factors for mesothelioma. BAP1 gene mutations increase the risk of mesothelioma along with other illnesses. The gene regulates cell growth and could aid in controlling the development of tumors. Exposure to the radioactive substance thorium dioxide, which was utilized in conjunction with X-rays for imaging tests between the 1920s and 1950s also increases a person's risk for mesothelioma. The BAP1 mutation is also associated with melanomas of the skin and eye.