Mesothelioma Causes And Treatments
Mesothelioma develops from the inhalation or direct exposure to asbestos. When someone has developed mesothelioma, the cancer has already developed in a part of their lung called the aveoli. The ravioli are air sacs that filter air and remove substances like mucus and dust from the lungs. In people who have developed mesothelioma, the cancer has traveled to another part of the lung called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a less common form of cancer but it can be deadly.
Other mesothelioma causes are from genetic changes that occur with individuals who have this disease. If an individual has a genetic predisposition for having this disease, they run a greater chance of developing it. These genetic changes are usually called genetic glitches. People who do have such genetic changes have been found to be more likely to develop mesothelioma.
Other mesothelioma causes are due to the effects of chemical agents used in the production of window insulation. This material, called fibberaminic acid, is made by glues and other chemicals. These chemicals can be highly toxic when inhaled or ingested. The lungs are designed to help filter out these materials, but sometimes the filtering mechanism is interrupted by an increase in asbestos exposure. Other materials used in the production of this type of insulation include silica and mineral fibers.
It is possible for some people to never develop mesothelioma even though they have worked with asbestos for many years. This is especially true for people who developed their illness while they were working with this mineral in their job. It may take years for these individuals to experience any symptoms of mesothelioma. Asbestos in itself is not deadly. However, when asbestos fibers are repeatedly disturbed by exposure to the air and water, it can lead to the development of cancerous cells in the lining of the lungs.
Another important area of mesothelioma research involves studying the effects that DNA from a person who has been exposed to asbestos can have on the cells that eventually form the tumor. This has shown to be a very promising area of study. Researchers have found a unique way to test the effects of DNA damage on cellular mutations that can lead to cancer. The results of these studies have been very promising and have led to the identification of specific DNA repair genes that act as a protective mechanism against the formation of cancerous tumors.
There are some theories about the cause of mesothelioma. One school of thought suggests that mesothelioma is caused when cells become so stressed due to the presence of asbestos that they divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumor. Other theories suggest that exposure to the carcinogenic fibers of asbestos causes certain changes in the genetic material within the cells. These changes then promote the development of the cancerous tumors. Whatever the cause of mesothelioma is, the important thing is that with the proper treatment, people who develop this disease can live healthy and full lives.
