Mesothelioma Causes
Malignant mesothelioma causes are not yet known, but this has been confirmed by the increasing numbers of people who are diagnosed with this disease every year. Malignant mesothelioma occurs mainly among men and the most common area of cancer growth is the lung. It usually begins as a benign (but cancerous) tumor that grow and advances rapidly until it overwhelms and blocks the affected area. Symptoms may not appear until much later. The most common symptoms include persistent coughing with yellow or green mucus, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, fatigue, cough reflexes and chest pains.
Malignant mesothelioma causes are not yet known but there are several factors that have been associated with an increased risk of getting this condition. These include: long-term exposure to mineral fibers, particularly from asbestos; a family history of mesothelioma; and men being more exposed to asbestos than women. Malignant mesothelioma sometimes affects the abdomen and/or the reproductive organs, in rare cases it affects the bones and the heart. Some other rare conditions that are associated with malignant mesothelioma are peritoneal mesothelioma (which affects the lining that surrounds the organs inside the abdominal cavity), pleural mesothelioma (which affects the lining that surrounds the lungs), pericardial mesothelioma (which affects the lining that surrounds the heart), and periculopecia (the loss of hair in both the scalp and the body).
With the help of this free mesothelioma guide, you will learn the basic risk factors associated with the diagnosis of this disease. You will also be introduced to several different treatment options that may be applicable depending on the nature of your diagnosis. Malignant mesothelioma has the highest incidence in smokers, and people who are overweight, have low energy levels, and lack a healthy diet are at the highest risk for contracting this disease. If you believe that you or a loved one has been diagnosed with this disease, you should educate yourself on the symptoms as well as the risk factors associated with it.
Basic risk factors associated with malignant mesothelioma cancer include: having a family history of mesothelioma; having a previous diagnosis of asbestos exposure; having an abnormal papillary response to ultraviolet light; and having a history of having had radiation therapy for nonmalignant purposes. Additionally, if you were a smoker, you increased your risk factors for having this condition. However, the increased risk does not stop there. People who have a history of being exposed to asbestos while working with this material have a greater chance of developing this condition than people who never used asbestos products. Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to asbestos, a substance found in a number of different construction materials including roofing shingles, ceiling tiles, insulation, brake linings, flooring, textiles, and pipes.
Malignant mesothelioma cancer affects the lining that surrounds the lungs and other organs in the chest cavity. The lining of the lungs can become infected when a person becomes infected with theoma cells or during the recovery phase following surgery. When a person has inhaled asbestos fibers, the body will release asbestos fibers into the air. This is a very strong irritant, especially to individuals with asthma. Asbestos particles can stay in the lung tissues for years, causing them to become inflamed. Once they become inflamed, they can begin to fill with pockets and fluid, obstructing the airways and causing pain and pressure.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of this disease, affects the tissues surrounding the lungs or chest cavity. The lining in these cavities is made up of different types of cell cultures, which line the pleura. This lining can become infected with mesothelioma fibers through exposure to asbestos, as well as from other causes, such as cancer causing radiation. Other causes can include exposure to different types of chemicals used in jobsite cleaning, such as acetone and other paint accelerators, lithium batteries and solvents, and different types of solvents. People with pre-existing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may also be at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma, as well as those with a family history. Mesothelioma can be a serious and potentially deadly condition, but it is not without treatment.
