Mesothelioma is Caused by Exposure to AsbestosMesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the lining of organs and cause DNA damage that causes mesothelioma cancers.Workers who work with asbestos can bring these fibers home in their hair, clothing, and tools. This puts loved ones at risk of second-hand exposure. Family members may also develop mesothelioma as a result of the chemicals in their spouse's clothing.AsbestosAsbestos is a group of minerals that naturally form bundles of tiny fibers. When asbestos is broken or disturbed, these fibers can float into the air and then be inhaled. When this happens, the asbestos may enter the smallest airways and irritate the lining of the lung (the pleura). The irritation can cause cells to develop abnormally and eventually turn into mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma may also affect other areas of the body with a similar lining including the peritoneum, heart or testicles.Medical records and other research have linked asbestos exposure to mesothelioma. Scientists don't know why certain people are more susceptible than others to mesothelioma. Scientists have discovered that the kind of asbestos used and how much exposure a person received can influence their risk for developing this cancer.The most frequent asbestos types associated with mesothelioma are chrysotile and ambole asbestos. They were utilized in industrial and household products, such as drywall, pipes, insulation cement, talcum powder and cement. People exposed to these products in the workplace have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. These workers usually were employed in fields such as electrical work, construction or shipbuilding. Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma, as they historically had more jobs that involved exposure to asbestos.Asbestos fibers cling to the tissue that lines organs like the lungs and chest wall. They also stick to the tissue lining the abdomen, intestines and bowels. Mesothelium is a strong and strong material, is able to resist damage. When asbestos fibers cling to mesothelium, they may get stuck in the tissue and remain there for a long time or even longer. This can lead to chronic irritation, and eventually result in mesothelioma cancer.Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations that cause a cell to multiply unchecked. This results in an increase in the size of the cancerous tumor. Researchers have identified a number of factors that increase a person’s chance of developing mesothelioma. These include the presence of a family history or previous exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma is a rare disease and the signs and symptoms typically do not show up until decades after exposure. Anyone with a history of exposure should see their doctor when they experience any signs or symptoms that are troubling them.ErioniteErionite is commonly found alongside asbestos. It is also believed to cause mesothelioma, mainly pleural mesothelio. It is also linked to peritoneal mesothelioma. Erionite is part of the group of minerals known as zeolites. A variety of morphological studies on the mineral have been carried out using electron microscopy. These studies show that fibers of erionite exhibit a diverse structure. These fibres can be arranged in regular bundles or rod-like structures, based on the nanostructural characteristics of the erionite.In a study that lasted for a long time of residents in villages exposed the erionite mineral, Baris and Grandjean (2006) found that the death rate for mesothelioma to be significantly higher in these villages when compared to a control village that was not exposed to erionite. 119 mesothelioma-related deaths and seven peritoneal cases of mesothelioma were recorded in the villages exposed to the mineral over a time period of 23 years. The researchers concluded that the mesotheliomagenic risk of erionite was more than any other amphibole (antophyllite tremolite actinolite crocidolite as well as amosite), which are currently controlled under asbestos.It is possible that mesothelioma caused by erionite is related to its structural similarities with asbestos. In a rat study mesothelioma that was caused by erionite displayed an identical cell response to asbestos-exposed rat. In addition, mesothelioma induced by erionite was correlated with a higher Bax expression and a lower Fas ligand expression.The Department of Transportation in North Dakota has been working with local businesses and counties to limit the use of gravel that contains the mineral erionite. The department is continuing to monitor the issue of erionite and inform citizens about it. Erionite is found in a variety of regions of the United States, including Oregon, Idaho, and Arizona. A correct identification of erionite would allow researchers to compare samples from these areas with mesotheliomagenic erionite from Turkey. This will help determine how common mesothelioma is across the U.S., and may help in developing better screening and prevention strategies for those who are exposed to this chemical. It can take anywhere from 30 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop, so this research is crucial.SilicaSilica, also known as quartz, is a popular industrial material that is found in the earth's crust. It is utilized in a variety of settings such as mining, construction and agriculture. Based on the nature of work, inhaling silica particles can cause fatal and debilitating lung diseases, referred to as silicosis and even lung cancer. Silica exposure can also increase a person's likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This is a potentially fatal lung cancer that is found in the mesothelium.Both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration classify inhaled crystalline silicon as a human cancer-causing chemical. This is based on solid evidence that inhalation exposure to silica leads to lung cancer. The IARC has not yet recognized the role of silica as the cause of various cancers such as mesothelioma and bladder cancer.Mesothelioma has been linked to exposure to two kinds of mineral fibers that are commonly used: asbestos and mineral wool. Mesothelioma is a result of chronic irritation and aggregation of mesothelium. Inhaling mineral fibers such as silica or mineral wool may cause irritation to the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is more often diagnosed in those who are older than 45, as it takes decades for mesothelioma to develop. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with the disease than women due to the fact that they were exposed to asbestos and silica during their work.Asbestos, silica and other substances are recognized as lung carcinogens. The IARC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency both recognize mesothelioma and various cancers as being associated with these exposures. However, the fundamental mechanisms of these carcinogens' role in developing other organs are not fully understood. The physics, chemistry and physico-chemical properties of inhaled asbestos and silica particles determine their removal from the lung and how they are disseminated to other sites like the bladder.Authors of a population-based study characterized an association between asbestos-related workplace exposure and bladder cancer using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System (NECSS) in eight Canadian provinces. The participants were exposed a variety of silica dusts and asbestos dusts with the highest levels and frequency of exposure that occurred in the mining, construction, masonry, quarrying and manufacturing industries.Other MineralsMinerals are solid substances that occur naturally on the Earth. Minerals have specific chemical and physic properties. Most minerals have a regular crystal structure. Examples include the fibrous mineral asbestos, which is known for its fire-resistant properties and barium, which is a soft metallic element used in x-ray technology, fireworks and rubber making. People who are exposed to these minerals in the workplace may be exposed to asbestos fibers in clothing and personal items. what causes mesothelioma are then brought home, where family members can breathe them in or swallow them.Asbestos has been linked to mesothelioma in about 70 percent to 80% of diagnosed cases. However, a small percentage of cases have been linked to exposure to non-asbestiform mineral. These minerals include erionite and other forms silica and non-asbestiform grunerite used in mining operations.Mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the chest and can cause breathing problems (dyspnea) as well as pain and swelling around the lungs and the heart. The disease is most likely to develop in the pleura, which covers your lungs and diaphragm. The disease may also develop in the peritoneum that covers your stomach and intestinal tract. In certain instances the cancer may expand to other parts of your body.It can take between 20 and 20 years for pleural cancers to develop after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, many affected people don't seek medical help until they experience a significant symptom, such as ongoing chest pain or a build-up of lungs-related fluid.The type of mesothelioma treatment you receive will depend on how far your disease has spread and the severity of it. Your doctor may prescribe treatment to ease symptoms and extend the life of your. You could be prescribed strong painkillers or have fluid removed from your lungs in order to ease your discomfort.In addition to the treatment for your symptoms, your doctor usually prescribes medications that fight cancer cells or slow their growth. The most popular treatment for cancer of the pleural region is chemotherapy. It can be used either alone or in conjunction with other therapies. Other treatments include surgery and radiation. Surgery may involve the removal of your lung or part of your diaphragm, or it may be combined with chemotherapy and radiation.