Causes Of Mesothelioma
According to researchers, multiple factors may contribute to the development of mesothelioma cancer. However, the precise mechanism by which these factors cause cancer remains unknown. Cancer, such as mesothelioma, is caused by DNA damage in cells, according to the studies. Changes in the genetic material or genes present in cells result in aberrant cell formation or the development of tumor cells. The study indicates that mesothelioma can be transmitted from one generation to the next and can have negative consequences for future generations as well.
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma in the majority of patients, hence the name asbestos mesothelioma. There may be additional causes of mesothelioma, such as radiation exposure in some patients, which may also contribute to the disease. Radiation exposure received during cancer treatments can enter cells and damage their genetic material, resulting to the production of cancerous cells. Following is a description of a few factors of mesothelioma cancer development:
Occupational asbestos exposure
Exposure to asbestos is one of the primary global causes of mesothelioma cancer development. According to studies, approximately eight out of ten mesothelioma patients report asbestos exposure, confirming that asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers travel from the microscopic air passages to the pleura when a person inhales asbestos from his environment. Once asbestos fibers reach the pleura, they induce severe lung scarring and inflammation. Asbestos fibers also damage the DNA of cells and cause mutations in the genes, leading to abnormal cell proliferation and the development of cancerous tumors.
Depending on the route of their entry, asbestos fibers travel towards the abdomen or lungs and reach the mesothelium. Upon reaching the abdominal lining, asbestos fibers cause peritoneal mesothelioma. If asbestos fibers are ingested, they reach the abdominal lining and cause harm there. The mesothelium is the layer of protective cells that surrounds organs such as the heart, lungs, abdomen, and testicles. Asbestos fibers travel to various organs and lodge in their respective mesothelium, thereby causing various varieties of mesothelioma.
It is essential to realize that mesothelioma develops after decades of asbestos exposure and not immediately. People who work in asbestos processing plants and mines are substantially more likely than other populations to develop mesothelioma due to their increased exposure. Those who live in asbestos-contaminated areas or in the vicinity of asbestos mines are also at risk for developing mesothelioma. The military personnel serving in asbestos-containing facilities or businesses are also at risk of asbestos exposure.
