Mesothelioma - What Causes It?Those diagnosed with mesothelioma can be longer in their lives if treatment is initiated immediately. Surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can help improve the odds of survival.Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the cells that make up the body's tissues, specifically those in the abdomen and chest. The majority of cases involve pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs.Exposure to AsbestosAsbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic and strong fibers. It was widely used in construction materials, vehicles, ships and dozens of other products between the 1930s and 1980s due to the fact that it was resistant to water, heat and fire. Unfortunately, asbestos manufacturers were conscious of the dangers it posed, but kept this information a secret from the general public. Asbestos exposure is the main reason for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos can happen in the workplace or through residential exposure. The most frequent areas of asbestos exposure are in shipyards, factories and construction sites. Workers are exposed to asbestos through direct contact or second-hand exposure by bringing home fibers from their clothes or hair.The asbestos fibers can travel into the lungs where they are able to be swallowed and inhaled. This can cause irritation to the lining in the chest cavity or the pleura. This may cause asbestosis or scar tissue over time. Asbestosis can cause breathing problems and other health problems. In rare cases, it may cause lung tumor called mesothelioma.Mesothelioma can result from asbestos exposure even if the exposure is temporary. However, the disease usually takes 15-40 years to develop following the initial exposure. The risk of developing mesothelioma rises with age, and men are more likely to be affected than women. A family history of the disease can increase the risk of developing it.While other factors have been linked to mesothelioma, including radiation as well as erionite and zeolites. asbestos is still the primary cause of this cancer. If you've been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms, visit your doctor right away. You might be able file an asbestos compensation claim to help pay for your treatment and other costs. Speak to a lawyer about your options. A lawyer with experience handling mesothelioma claims can explain your legal rights and the process of filing a claim. It is essential to act fast as mesothelioma can be difficult to identify and treat. The best course of action is to seek treatment at a reputable mesothelioma treatment facility.Exposure to radiationThe thin layer of tissue (mesothelium) that covers and protects the internal organs is affected by mesothelioma. The most prevalent type is one that affects the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, known as the pleura. Other, rarer forms occur in the tissue around the testicles and the heart. People who have been exposed to asbestos may also develop mesothelioma within their abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or around the intestines and colon (pericardial mesothelioma).Most cases of mesothelioma are due to exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals with tiny microscopic fibers. Historically asbestos was mined due to its durable properties and used in the construction of brakes, insulation for buildings and other products. When asbestos is broken up, the fibers can be inhaled, and then airborne. They can be taken in. Ingestion of fibers can harm cells DNA and trigger uncontrolled cell growth. Mesothelioma typically appears between 20 and 60 years after exposure.Radiation exposure has been linked with mesothelioma too. Radiation can cause harm to mesothelioma sufferers because it affects the mesothelium. Mesothelioma researchers are investigating whether mesothelioma can be caused by cellular mutations, genes or both. In certain studies, mesothelioma patients have inherited a mutation in one gene which increases their risk of developing the disease.The treatment for mesothelioma is either removing cancerous tissue, or by applying chemotherapy or other medications to reduce cancerous cells or end them and prevent their growth. Doctors may also opt for targeted therapy, immunotherapy and other treatments to improve mesothelioma sufferers their quality of life.The best way to determine mesothelioma is to undergo an examination and other tests. Imaging tests like X radiations as well as computed-tomography scans (CT) and positron emission tomography are also available. Blood samples can determine the level of certain chemicals released by mesothelioma tumor cells. These tests can help doctors detect mesothelioma in the early stages, at a time when it is more likely to be curable.Asbestos.com's mesothelioma specialists are available to discuss treatment options. Our mesothelioma experts can take part in all major mesothelioma-related international and national conferences, staying up-to-date with the latest treatments, research and clinical trials. We can help you find the most qualified medical professionals and legal representation for you.GeneticsMesothelioma is a condition that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most of the body's internal organs. Cancerous mesothelioma cells can start in the layer of tissues that cover every lung (pleural mesothelioma), the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the sac that is around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).The genes of the person determine the extent to which their immune system is able to fight cancer, and how quickly cancerous tumors can develop. When a gene is damaged, it could lead to the overexpression or insufficient expression of proteins that regulate cell growth and division. If these proteins are expressed too much, they can lead to cancerous cells that grow, divide and multiply uncontrollably.Asbestos exposure is a known cause of mesothelioma, but not everyone who is exposed to asbestos develops the cancer. In certain cases mesothelioma can be inherited. This would mean that those with certain genetic mutations are at an increased risk of developing this type cancer. But, research is continuing to discover the connection between hereditary factors and mesothelioma.Scientists have discovered many different types of mesothelioma. Each has its own specific causes. how much asbestos can cause mesothelioma are more aggressive and have a poorer prognosis than other. Doctors can assist patients in understanding their mesothelioma type and how it can affect them by using tests of gene expression to look at the genetic makeup of the cancer.These tests can help predict the severity of a person's cancer and its spread. They can also determine if there is an over-representation of genes that produce immunosuppressive proteins like PD L1 and B7. When doctors know this information, they can apply checkpoint inhibitor drugs to activate the immune system and stop mesothelioma spreading further.While there is no definitive connection between hereditary causes and mesothelioma, scientists believe that these genes are involved in between 20 and 30 percent of mesothelioma cases. As more information is made available about mesothelioma and its causes, those who have an asbestos-related history should consider the possibility of genetic testing. This is particularly true in the case of a family member who has developed the disease.LifestyleThe way a person lives can affect their risk of being diagnosed with cancer. The majority of cancers are caused by the genetic mutations that accumulate within cells. The abnormal cells multiply and expand out of control. They can expand and create tumors that can infiltrate healthy tissue. Certain types of cancers, like mesothelioma, have a variety of risk factors that increase the chance of developing them.Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of our internal organs (mesothelium). It is generally malignant. This means it is cancerous, and could spread if it is not treated. Mesothelioma is classified by doctors by the portion of the mesothelium which has been affected. Pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining around the lungs and chest cavity is the most well-known mesothelioma type. However, it is also possible to develop mesothelioma in the abdomen's lining or around the heart.The symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. The symptoms may include a constant dry cough or chest pains and abdomen and weight loss, a high fever, and breathing difficulties. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery are the most commonly used treatment options for mesothelioma. Other treatment options include immunotherapy, treatment for tumors fields and virotherapy. These methods can be used to fight mesothelioma and prolong the duration of its survival. But, regardless of which mesothelioma treatment is employed patients must be aware that this disease is rare.