Mesothelioma Cancer - What is Mesothelioma Cancer Caused From?
Mesothelioma affects the tissues that line organ cavities such as 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 anywhere from 10 to 50 years to show up and are often mistaken for less serious illnesses. Chest pain, coughing, and difficulty breathing are just a few of the symptoms.
Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer can affect the linings that protect certain organs. It is most often found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
mesothelioma caused by arsenic is a class of fibrous minerals used throughout the 20th century for commercial, industrial and military reasons because it was strong and fire-resistant, as well as soundproofing, insulating and affordable. Despite these benefits asbestos was later discovered to be a carcinogen and it was banned in the United States in 1977. Asbestos is most commonly found in workplaces that have asbestos-based products such as shipyards, power plants and factories, or construction sites. However, some people also are exposed through secondhand sources such as the homes of those who work directly with asbestos materials.
The risk of exposure to asbestos is heightened when people carry asbestos fibers on their skin, clothing and hair to the home. This is known as paraoccupational exposure and puts family members of those who are exposed to asbestos at a higher risk of mesothelioma. Additionally, some evidence shows that people who work with asbestos are more likely to bring the substance home in their shoes, clothing and other tools, exposing their families to asbestos too.
If a patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma by their doctor, they will recommend a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine how advanced the cancer is. Mesothelioma can be classified as biphasic or sarcomatoid with epithelioid being more common form and being most responsive to treatment. The mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid is less susceptible to treatment and typically has a less favorable prognosis.
It can be difficult to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages because it can take 10 to 50 years before symptoms show up. In some instances, symptoms are mistaken for less serious illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because of this. Those who have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms should consult their doctor about screening for mesothelioma. The earlier a person is diagnosed, the better options they will have to treat. People who are most at risk of developing mesothelioma comprise those with a history of asbestos exposure, particularly those who work in high-risk industries as well as those with an ancestor who has had a history of the disease.
Genetics
Researchers are still trying to understand the genetic science behind mesothelioma. They are looking for any known mutations that increase the chances of developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos. These genetic mutations could help doctors identify and treat cancer patients more effectively.
A mutation in the DNA of mesothelial cells triggers the disease. The asbestos fibers' sharp edge alters the genetic balance of these cells. This causes cells to duplicate and remain longer than they should, creating clusters of cells that grow into tumors. According to a variety of studies, those who have been exposed to asbestos have an increased risk of developing certain genetic mutations.
Certain genes produce proteins that regulate mesothelial cell growth, duplication, and death. Depending on the mutations the proteins could be either over- or under-expressed leading to an abnormal growth of cells. The BAP1 gene is a prime example. The mutations in this gene result in the loss of an enzyme that normally stops mesothelioma cancerous cells from growing.
Scientists have also identified a number of other mutations in the mesothelioma gene that affect patients. Some of these mutations are treatable through targeted therapies that kill mesothelioma-related cancerous cells without harming healthy cells. Mesothelioma experts have also identified SV40 as one of the viruses that has the unique ability to hide within mesothelial cells and altering their genetic structure. SV40 has been linked to the development of mesothelioma in many patients and can be screened for with several different tests.
Despite the fact that mesothelioma does have genetic components it is not yet conclusive evidence that certain individuals are more prone to this cancer. It is important to talk with your doctor about any risk factors. Risk factors do not cause cancer in the first place, but they do increase the likelihood of having one. By identifying and avoiding the risks that you face the mesothelioma threat can be dramatically improved. Avoiding asbestos exposure and smoking for example will reduce the risk of mesothelioma.
Smoking
Cancerous mesothelioma cells can grow in the cells that line cavities in the body, such as those in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma cells that are malignant are able to break through their membrane and invade surrounding tissues and cause them to grow out of control and form tumors. Mesothelioma is almost always the result of asbestos exposure, a class of minerals that were once widely used in construction and other industries. The fibers are so tiny that they can enter the lungs and cause damage to the lining. This can lead to symptoms like breathing problems and chest pains as well as difficulty breathing.
The pleura or lung lining is the most common site for mesothelioma. This is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. It is responsible for approximately 90% of all mesotheliomas. Mesothelioma may also develop in the peritoneum, or at other locations such as the heart and reproductive organs. Mesothelioma is also caused by genetics or radiation.
If the doctor suspects mesothelioma they'll refer the patient to a specialist who will have some tests done. This could include imaging scans, such as CT and MRI as well as biopsy. A mesothelioma biopsy is the process of removing a sample of the affected tissue and then examining it under a microscope for evidence of cancer.
Mesothelioma is treated by managing symptoms and slowing the spread of cancerous cells. Patients may be prescribed palliative treatments to make them feel more comfortable during mesothelioma treatment. This could include regular chest drainage or painkillers. Mesothelioma patients are also likely to require support from family and friends as they go through mesothelioma treatment. Our team of support care clinicians can help patients and their loved ones with the emotional as well as financial support they require.
Radiation
The mesothelioma cancerous form forms in a thin layer of tissue that surrounds many of the internal organs of the body. The cancer forms due to a series mutations that happens in the DNA (genetic code) of cells. As cells grow and multiply, they can cause tumors to develop that aren't healthy and can affect the surrounding tissues. Eventually, the cancer expands and infects surrounding tissues or vital organs.
Doctors employ a variety of tests to diagnose mesothelioma. The most commonly used tests include biopsy, X-rays, and CT scans. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small amount of mesothelioma is removed and scrutinized under a microscope for indications of cancer. X-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 requires beams of high-energy rays (typically X-rays and gamma-rays) which are used to eliminate the tumor. Radiation therapy can also shrink tumors, making them easier to remove via surgery. As part of multimodal therapy for mesothelioma, it is often combined with surgery and/or chemotherapy.
During radiation therapy, doctors employ imaging tests to determine the exact site of the mesothelioma cancer and determine the amount of radiation needed to kill the cancer cells. The radiation is directed at mesothelioma and the treatment is repeated several times per week for up to six weeks. The newer mesothelioma treatments are more precise and can prevent damage to surrounding tissue.
Some patients with mesothelioma benefit from a particular type of radiation called proton therapy. This treatment is similar to X-rays but gives more targeted radiation to cancerous cells and reduces side effects. Some patients live longer with mesothelioma following proton therapy.
Mesothelioma patients often receive radiation as a treatment to ease the symptoms of the disease or extend life after surgery. It is used alongside aggressive curative therapies like chemotherapy and surgery. It is a viable option for patients with mesothelioma that is at a late stage. It is able to kill any remaining cancerous cells and prevent their growth or spreading. It also helps prolong a patient's quality life by reducing pain and discomfort.