Is Mesothelioma Only Caused by Asbestos?
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining many internal organs, most typically the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), intestines and heart. People who have been exposed to asbestos are at greater risk.
Asbestos is one of the minerals that make thin, long fibers. It was used in commercial, military and residential products throughout the 20th century when companies were aware of the risks, but concealed them to maximize profits.
Causes
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is resistant to heat and chemical. In the past asbestos was used in the production of various commercial and household products, such as insulation, floor tiles and brake linings. Asbestos is a risk, however, because it breaks down into tiny needle-like fibers, which can irritate organ tissues and cause cancerous cell growth.
People who work with asbestos or are exposed to it at work or at home are more likely to develop mesothelioma than people who aren't. 70 percent to 80% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have prior exposure to asbestos. It can take between 20 and 50 years for symptoms to appear after the initial exposure. A higher risk of developing symptoms is for those with mesothelioma in their family members.
When exposed to asbestos the fibers can be inhaled into the lung. The fibers then be transported to the pleura or the lining around the lungs and cause irritation it. Over time, this can cause pleural inflammation, which may lead to the lungs to build up fluid and cause pleural effusion. This can make breathing difficult.
Mesothelioma may also occur in the tissues of the abdomen, heart, or intestines. In most cases, the person suffering from mesothelioma has had exposure to asbestos in the workplace. This type of exposure is different than that in which a person is exposed to asbestos in their home, for instance, when family members remove asbestos-containing insulation from the ceilings and walls of their homes.
Researchers are studying whether certain genes can increase your chances of developing mesothelioma. However even with these genes, one will still need to be exposed to asbestos in order to develop mesothelioma. Rare mesothelioma cases are linked to minerals like silica and Erionite, which are both related to asbestos. It is also possible that certain people are more susceptible to the development of mesothelioma owing to the way their bodies break down asbestos. This isn't a recognized risk factor however, and it doesn't explain why one person would develop the disease while another might not.
Symptoms
Exposure to asbestos can cause cancer mesothelioma to develop in any of the body's linings. mesothelioma is caused by can also form in the lungs, abdomen or heart (pleural mesothelioma). It can also form in the testicles.
The signs of mesothelioma typically appear slowly over a long time. The first signs of mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as signs of other illnesses. They can take 20-50 years to develop, meaning someone could have been exposed to asbestos exposure for years before mesothelioma developed. It takes around the same amount of time to allow the cancer to spread to other areas of the body after it develops.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest pain. Other signs include fatigue, weight loss, and abdominal pain. The most frequent sign is fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs called the pleura. The cancer thickens the lining which makes it difficult for the lungs to expand when breathing.
A biopsy and some tests can help doctors diagnose the presence of pleural mesothelioma. A biopsy can reveal the type of mesothelioma malignant, how far it's spread and whether it's benign or malignant.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may refer the patient to a specialist for further tests. The specialist can perform a biopsy as an outpatient. This means the patient can be admitted and out of the hospital on the same day, without needing long periods of recuperation.
Mesothelioma is still uncommon, but it is important to be diagnosed as soon as you can. There is no cure for mesothelioma however, treatment can help control symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Treatment
Mesothelioma is caused by asbestos, a clustering of minerals that have thin and flexible fibers. Asbestos is a strong, fire-resistant material and doesn't conduct electricity, which is why it was utilized in various industrial applications, including insulation, building materials, ships, brakes and some kinds of flooring. Exposure can occur when these products break down and turn into dusty. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation when inhaled or consumed which could lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show up until decades after the initial exposure. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the stomach and heart.
Only medical tests can determine mesothelioma. The doctor will assess the patient and ask about their previous work history. The doctor will also perform tests for imaging to look for abnormalities in the abdomen or chest. These tests could include X-rays, CT scans, MRI or PET scans.
If mesothelioma diagnosis is possible, doctors will take samples of fluid or tissue for further analysis. They will look for cancerous cells under a microscope to determine what type of mesothelioma patient has. There are three types of mesothelioma: epithelioid (most popular), the sarcomatoid (second most prevalent) and biphasic. The epithelioid type accounts for 70% of mesothelioma cases. The sarcomatoid type is most uncommon. The biphasic type can be a mixture of the two types above and can be more difficult to treat than any type individually.
Mesothelioma treatment options are based on the mesothelioma type, the stage of the disease and other factors. Some types of mesothelioma are more aggressive than others, and the prognosis is generally poorer for those who have mesothelioma that is in the late stages.
Mesothelioma patients can undergo chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy to combat the disease. These treatments can be painful and may cause adverse effects like nausea fatigue, vomiting, and difficulty breathing. However these side effects are often temporary and can be managed with medication or other techniques. Certain patients also undergo radiation treatments following surgery to kill any cancer cells that surgeons missed.
Prognosis
Asbestos has been known to cause serious medical problems despite its widespread use and reputation as a durable and economical product. One of these is mesothelioma. This cancer is a condition that affects the linings of certain organs and structures like the lungs stomach, testicles and the heart. The signs of mesothelioma usually take decades to appear but treatment can treat the disease and lessen symptoms.
Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibers that can be introduced into the body and get embedded in the linings of certain tissues. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for many years in products ranging from textiles to insulation.
When asbestos is disturbed, it transforms into airborne and can be inhaled or consumed. Inhaling asbestos fibers are deposited into the lungs where they can cause irritation to cells until they damage DNA, and become malignant. When ingested, the asbestos fibers are digested and then move through the digestive tract to the outer lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) where they can cause inflammation and eventually cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure may also occur through secondhand contact like living in a house where someone has been exposed to asbestos. Workers may expose their family members to asbestos fibers when they bring home stray asbestos fibers from their skin, clothing or hair. The risk of developing mesothelioma is also increased if you have a family history of the disease.
There are two types of mesothelioma, pleural and peritoneal. Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the linings of the lungs and chest. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms when the asbestos fibers enter the lining of the abdominal cavity and organs. This kind of mesothelioma is more common than pleural and affects the lining in the abdomen.
Asbestos, a toxic mineral, is a cause of cancers of different types and also other diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. The dangers of asbestos were not well-known until the early 1980s when manufacturers began to realize its dangers. Until then, blue-collar industries and the military regularly used asbestos in products like flooring, roofs, insulation and brake linings.