Mesothelioma Asbestos Exposure In communities with large asbestos shipyards or cement factories, several mesothelioma clusters have been identified. In these communities, cases were linked to exposure to para-occupational hazards and airborne environmental exposure through living close to factories and plant sources. Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs, is made up of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used to create many blue collar and military-related products between the 1930s and 1980s, despite the fact that its dangers were known. Occupational Exposure Mesothelioma is most often an outcome of asbestos exposure in the workplace. Workers who worked with, removed or installed asbestos as well as those in other professions who came into contact with asbestos are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in when they break into small pieces. The symptoms may not manifest for decades after exposure, which could complicate the diagnosis. In addition, the symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is most often seen in those in their 60s and older, as the majority of them were exposed to asbestos prior retiring. It is more prevalent in males, due to the fact that men were more likely to have jobs that required exposure to asbestos, but it also affects women who worked in the same fields or lived with people who did. Mesothelioma is more common in patients who have an ancestor with mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos is also a carcinogen which can cause other health problems, including laryngeal cancer, asbestosis, and lung cancer which is a chronic lung disease. Asbestos is particularly dangerous when it is broken since it releases sharp particles that could be inhaled. Therefore, it is important to abide by workplace safety regulations, and to avoid causing damage to asbestos. A number of studies have identified communities that have higher than average mesothelioma incidences. These clusters of mesothelioma have been linked with para-occupational exposure in addition to occupational exposure. For example, one study in Casale Monferrato, northwest Italy, found that a high percentage of mesothelioma cases had lived with an occupationally-exposed family member who brought home work clothes and other items. In addition, the neighborhood was located near a large asbestos cement plant. Other mesothelioma cases in Italy and Australia have been connected to broader asbestos exposure from the environment. This includes living in an older house with NOA or using NOA containing products in the home. The results of these studies varied however, due to recall bias and differences in the methods employed to evaluate NOA exposure. These areas, however, could be a valuable source of information to better understand how para-occupational exposure can contribute to mesothelioma risk. Environmental Exposure Mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the mesothelium which is located in certain tissues throughout the body. This rare form may affect the lung lining and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), or the linings surrounding the testicles and heart (pericardial msothelioma). The most frequent form of mesothelioma is lung-related, but asbestos exposure in the environment can also cause this condition. The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The most risk is for those who have experienced exposure to asbestos in their work, or who have lived with someone in an asbestos-related job. Other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma asbestos in a person include gender, age, and previous illnesses, such as fibrosis. In addition, some people are more at risk of developing mesothelioma asbestos if they have an ancestor with this disease. Symptoms of mesothelioma often take between 10 and 50 years to be evident. This latency period can make it difficult to identify mesothelioma. Doctors can confuse symptoms with flu-like conditions. People who have been exposed to asbestos should inform their doctor about any past exposure and schedule regular check-ups. Many people who are exposed to mesothelioma asbestos reside close to areas where the mineral was mined, such as shipbuilding and asbestos mining operations. Asbestos dust can then be transported into homes and neighborhoods. These areas are often referred to as asbestos hotspots. A number of mesothelioma asbestos hotspots have been identified in the United States, including areas close to major ports and military bases. Several studies have linked these hotspots with mesothelioma's development. Non-industrial asbestos exposure can also increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes asbestos in the soil, rocks and water used for recreational purposes. These sources of exposure are an increasing part of mesothelioma's disease and merit more attention. One of the most significant challenges in identifying these environmental sources is that mesothelioma asbestos is typically located in remote areas and is difficult to quantify. However, there is evidence that the incidence of mesothelioma occurrence increases after exposure to asbestos. Family History When asbestos is released into air, it can cause irritation to mesothelium - a lining that surrounds internal organs. This irritation can result in the growth of cancerous cells which can eventually lead to tumors. Asbestos exposure may affect many parts of the body including the chest liner (pleura) as well as the abdominal wall, the heart and testicles. There are several types of mesothelioma and each one has its own set of risk factors. People with a family history of mesothelioma are more at risk of developing the disease. Asbestos exposure can cause genetic changes that result in an increased chance of mesothelioma. In addition, certain kinds of radiation exposure may increase the likelihood of mesothelioma. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which is found in the lining around the lungs. Men are more likely to develop it than women. Another mesothelioma type called peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen's lining. Pericardial mesothelioma can be found in the heart's lining, and testicular mesothelioma occurs in the testicles. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma-related symptoms can take up to fifty years to show up. If mesothelioma asbestos cancer suspect that you might be experiencing symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor right promptly, especially in the event of an exposure to asbestos in the past. A biopsy is used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors can test a sample of tissue to determine if it is epithelioid, or sarcomatoid, if mesothelioma has been diagnosed. Epithelioid mesothelioma is responsible for up to 70 percent of diagnoses and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on the contrary has a lower response rate and is more difficult to treat. Although the majority of mesothelioma cases are associated with asbestos exposure, some patients do not have a known occupational or environmental risk factor for the disease. For those who suffer from mesothelioma, it is believed to be caused by a mix of factors, including the genetics of the patient and exposure to secondhand. Some studies have shown, for example, that women who were housewives or laundresses who cleaned the husband's clothes are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than women who didn't have this job. Genetics Asbestos cancer does not have any known genetic link. Asbestos may cause mesothelioma if it enters the body and alters cellular balance. Cells begin to grow at an abnormally high rate, forming mesothelioma tumors. Researchers have found that while mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure, some people are more susceptible to the disease. For example, it can be possible that mesothelioma may have a genetic component because family members of workers who have been exposed to asbestos often develop mesothelioma of their own. But, this usually happens because of secondary exposure or paraoccupational exposure where family members are exposed with asbestos particles and dust that they take home on their clothing and skin. Researchers have discovered that a few mesothelioma patients are affected by certain gene mutations. They can make them more vulnerable if they are exposed asbestos. Researchers have discovered that mesothelioma can be caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. This gene controls DNA repairs. This gene is responsible for DNA repair. Researchers have also discovered mutations in genes that could lead to mesothelioma. This includes the SMARCB1 genes, which affect the cellular and endocrine systems. These gene mutations can make a person more susceptible to exposure to asbestos and could lead to mesothelioma even if they have never been exposed to asbestos or other mineral fibers. While mesothelioma is typically caused by asbestos exposure, researchers are continuing to find other causes for this deadly and fatal cancer. Other causes include not limited to, a history or therapeutic radiation for other conditions and the chronic swelling of the pleura due to tuberculosis. Crohn's disease or chronic empyema, or a different disease. They have also found that some mesothelioma patients are exposed to other mineral fibers, such as erionite.
mesothelioma asbestos cancer
