A rare type of cancer called malignant Mesothelioma occurs in the thin layer of the cells lining in the body’s internal organs known as the mesothelium.
Mesothelioma is categorized into three types, namely: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and pericardial Mesothelioma. Out of the three types; Pleural Mesothelioma is one of the most common occurrences, and it occurs in the lining of the lungs, commonly known as pleura.
However, peritoneal Mesothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining, and pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium lining the heart. Whatever be the case, mesothelioma cancer is one of the most deadly cancers detected. In the article, we will discuss the various factors that result in being the main Mesothelioma Causes.
Cancer, irrespective of where it is formed, occurs mainly because of the damage suffered by the cell’s DNA. The same reason can be cited behind mesothelioma cancer as well. DNAs are chemical agents present in each of our cells that make up our genes. The very fact that one looks like their parents are because of the genes in the DNA. However, any change in the genes may cause the cell to grow out of control and result in cancer.
Mesothelioma Causes: How You Can Get This Disease
Researches claim that the main Mesothelioma cause is exposure to asbestos by inhaling or ingesting the asbestos particles. As per a study, asbestos fibers can start a chain of physical and metabolic events that can cause different cancers or asbestosis and an incurable disorder of breathing.
However, not all people who are exposed to asbestos suffer from Mesothelioma. But, it is advised that if someone had asbestos exposure once in their lives, they should consult a doctor if there is a risk that they may suffer from Mesothelioma. The earlier it is detected, the more treatment options are available, just like other cancers. As per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), all forms of asbestos, regardless of the type and fiber, are responsible for mesothelioma cancer and can be cited as the prime Mesothelioma Causes.
However, apart from asbestos fiber, exposure to radiation and zeolite (another type of fibrous mineral similar to asbestos fiber) can also cause Mesothelioma.
Since asbestos is considered a Mesothelioma Causes, several factors include working in an asbestos mine or asbestos processing plant or working in the construction of automotive industries, or renovating a house when one disturbs the asbestos particles without proper safety measures pose a high risk of Mesothelioma.
Again, exposure to fibrous mineral zeolite or any mineral originating from the zeolite family poses a high risk of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure to radiation and polio vaccines should also be avoided to prevent the occurrence of mesothelioma cancer.
As mentioned earlier, not all exposed to asbestos suffer from Mesothelioma; scientists believe that genetics also play some role. Gene mutation called BAP1 increases a high risk of developing Mesothelioma or other terminating diseases. Smoking may not necessarily be the Mesothelioma Causes but smoking results in exposure to asbestos resulting in the deadly disease.
Mesothelioma Prevention
In most cases, one may not know that he has been exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is available in most of the spaces evening of the household. Whenever renovation of a house is done, one should always take the necessary precautions and then go ahead with the renovation process. Asbestos is also found in cars, brake pads, clutches, gaskets, etc.
One should be very careful while handling vehicles. People working in highly automotive sectors such as shipyards, military jobs, etc., should take special precautions not to get exposed to asbestos particles. Also, while handling a few things such as pipe fittings, roof and flooring materials, insulation materials, electrical wiring, etc., one should be very careful as these materials are asbestos-rich. Mishandling it may result in the asbestos particles being inhaled, thereby causing Mesothelioma.
The asbestos fibers are both naturally occurring as well as manufacturing. So while people are working in factories where heavy asbestos is used, a higher risk of being detected with cancer, the naturally occurring asbestos also poses threats.
Asbestos fibers can be found in rocks and soil in many parts of the world and people being unaware of it inhales it also pose a great risk to be detected with Mesothelioma. Even the water sources seem to be affected by asbestos particles in some places, and if that water is consumed, the consumers possess a great risk.
Conclusion
Asbestos exposure may be considered as the main element to Mesothelioma Causes, but it should be noted that it takes a longer time to develop. It may generally take around 20-25 years to be detected, and so if one was ever exposed to asbestos exposure, one should get oneself thoroughly checked for early detection can only help save the person’s life.
