Mesothelioma is Caused by Exposure to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the lining of organs and can cause mesothelioma tumors.
Workers who work with asbestos carry the tiny fibers home on their clothes hair, tools and even their hair, putting loved ones at risk of exposure to secondhand asbestos. The chemicals found in the clothing of their spouse can also cause mesothelioma.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a range of minerals that naturally occurs in the form of bundles of fibers. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled when asbestos is disturbed. The fibers can be absorbed into the smallest airways and cause irritation to the lung's lining (the pleura). The irritation may cause the cells to develop abnormally, leading to mesothelioma tumours. Mesothelioma could also affect other areas of the body that have a similar lining. These include the peritoneum (the abdominal lining) and the heart or the testicles.
Medical records and other research have shown that asbestos exposure is linked to mesothelioma. But, scientists do not fully know why certain people are more prone to developing mesothelioma than other people. They have found that the type of asbestos used and the amount of exposure can affect their risk of getting this cancer.
The most common asbestos types associated with mesothelioma include chrysotile and ambole asbestos. They were utilized in industrial and household products, such as drywall insulation, pipes cement, talcum powder and cement. The highest risk is for those exposed to these substances at work. They typically were employed in fields such as electrical work, construction, or shipbuilding. Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma since they had historically more jobs that involved exposure to asbestos.
When asbestos fibers enter the body, they adhere to tissue that lines organs such as the chest wall, lungs as well as the intestines and abdomen. Mesothelium is a tough and durable material that is able to be resistant to damage. Asbestos fibers can get caught in the mesothelium and remain there for a long time or even decades. This can cause chronic irritation, which could eventually result in mesothelioma cancer.
Mesothelioma, as with all cancers, is caused by DNA mutations which cause cells to multiply unchecked. This causes an increase in the size of the cancerous tumor. Researchers have identified a number of factors that increase a person's risk of mesothelioma, such as an ancestor's history of the disease, as well as prior asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is a rare condition can take a long time to develop. Anyone with an history of exposure should consult their physician when they experience any symptoms or signs that worry them.
Erionite
Erionite is commonly found alongside asbestos. It is also associated with mesothelioma - primarily pleural mesothelioma. It is also associated with cancer of the peritoneal region. Erionite is part of the group of minerals referred to as zeolites. Electron microscopy has been utilized to study morphological changes on erionite. These studies show that fibers of erionite exhibit a diverse structure. These fibres can be arranged in regular bundles or as rod-like structures depending on the nanostructural properties of the erionite.
In a follow-up study over a long period of residents living in villages that were exposed to erionite in Turkey, Baris and Grandjean (2006) discovered that the death rate from mesothelioma was significantly higher in these communities than in a control village without exposure to erionite. 119 mesothelioma-related deaths and seven mesothelioma cases in the peritoneal region were recorded in the villages exposed to the mineral over a time period of 23 years. The researchers concluded that erionite is more mesotheliomagenic than any of the amphiboles (antophyllite, tremolite, actinolite, crocidolite and amosite) currently regulated as asbestos.
It is possible that mesothelioma caused by erionite may be related to its structural similarities with asbestos. In a study on rats, the erionite-induced mesothelioma showed the same cellular response similar to that of the rat exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma that was caused by erionite showed an increased Bax expression, as well as a decreased Fas ligand.
The Department of Transportation in North Dakota has been working with local counties and businesses to restrict the use of gravel that contains Erionite. The department continues to monitor research into erionite and keep citizens of the state informed of the issue. Erionite is found in a variety of regions of the United States including Oregon, Idaho and Arizona. Researchers will be able to compare samples taken from these areas with mesotheliomagenic erionite that is found in Turkey when they are able to determine erionite. This information could help determine how common mesothelioma is across the U.S., and may be a way to improve screening and prevention strategies for workers who are exposed to the substance. This is crucial because mesothelioma can manifest between 30 and 60 years old.
Silica
Silica, also known as quartz, is a common industrial substance found in the earth's crust. It is used in many different fields, including construction, mining and agriculture. Depending on the nature of work inhaling silica particles could cause fatal and debilitating lung diseases, referred to as silicosis and even lung cancer. Silica exposure can also increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. This is a fatal lung cancer that develops in the mesothelium.
Both the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Occupational Safety & Health Administration classified inhaled crystalline silicon as a human cancer-causing chemical. mesothelioma caused by asbestos is based upon strong evidence that inhalation exposure to silica can cause lung cancer. The IARC has not yet acknowledged the role of silica as a cause of other cancers like mesothelioma and bladder cancer.
Inhalation of asbestos and mineral fibers is related to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma results from chronic irritation and aggregation of mesothelium. Inhaling mineral fibers such as silica and mineral wool can aggravate the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is a more frequent diagnosis in those over 45 as it takes a long time for mesothelioma's development. It is more often diagnosed in men since they are more likely than women to have had jobs which exposed them to asbestos and silica.
Asbestos and silica are recognized carcinogens to the lungs. The IARC and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency both recognize mesothelioma and various cancers as being associated with these exposures. The mechanisms behind how these carcinogens play in the development of other organ sites are not fully understood. The chemistry, physics, and physicochemical properties of inhaled silica and asbestos particles determine their removal from the lung and how they are disseminated to other organs such as the bladder.
The authors of a recent population-based study characterized the association between asbestos and silica in the workplace exposure and bladder cancer risk using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance System in eight Canadian provinces. Exposures to a wide range of asbestos dusts and silica were identified in the cohort, with the highest concentration and frequency of exposure being observed in mining, construction and quarrying, masonry, and manufacturing industries.
Other Minerals
Minerals are solid substances that occur naturally on the Earth. They have distinct physical and chemical properties, and most minerals have the same crystal structure. Examples include asbestos, a fibrous mineral that is used to protect against fire and barium, a soft metallic element used in x-ray technology, rubber manufacturing and fireworks. These minerals can be found on personal or clothing items brought home by workers. Family members could breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers.
Asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma in about 70 percent to 80% of all diagnosed cases. However, a small percentage of cases have been linked to non-asbestiform minerals. These minerals have included erionite, slurries and other forms of silica and the non-asbestiform amphibole grunerite, employed in mining operations.
Mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the chest and may include breathing difficulties (dyspnea), pain and swelling around the lungs as well as the heart. The disease is most likely to occur in the pleura which covers your lungs as well as the diaphragm. The disease can also develop in the peritoneum that covers your stomach and the intestinal tract. In some instances, mesothelioma could be spread to other parts of your body.
It can take up to 20 years for pleural cancer to manifest following asbestos exposure. Many people suffering from asbestos-related diseases don't seek medical attention until they have severe symptoms. For instance, a buildup of fluid or persistent chest pain.
The type of treatment you receive for mesothelioma depends on the severity of your disease and the extent to which it has spread. For instance, your doctor might recommend treatments to ease symptoms and help prolong life. You may be prescribed strong painkillers or have fluid removed from your lungs to relieve your discomfort.
In addition to treating your symptoms, your physician will often prescribe drugs that combat cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatment options for pleural mesothelioma, and it can be used on its own or in combination with other therapies. Other treatments include radiation and surgery. Surgery can involve removing the lung or a portion of the diaphragm or combining it with radiation and chemotherapy.