If you’re curious about what’s causing your mesothelioma symptoms, then you will want to read this article. Specifically, we’ll discuss what some of these causes are. Once you understand the nature of your mesothelioma, you’ll be better able to deal with it.
Inheritance: Two hereditary disorders that are known to cause malignant mesothelioma are familial adenomatoidomy and Wilson’s disease. In the case of familial adenomatoidomy, there are multiple abnormalities on the X chromosome that cause the disorder. In the case of Wilson’s disease, there are gene abnormalities on the sex chromosomes. These malignant mesotheliomas can be caused by many different genes. Some are passed on from one generation to the next, while others come from a person’s parents.
Radiation exposure: This is probably the most common of all mesothelioma causes. Asbestos fibers are inhaled when working in a certain environment. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to these fibers and can damage normal cells as well. In the case of Pleural mesothelioma, the body uses the linings in lungs as protective coverings.
Mutation: There are several rare genetic changes that can cause tumors. Two of these involve X-linked and Y-linked chromosomes. These tumors tend to affect newborn cells. Benign tumors tend to affect healthy cells while malignant mesothelioma causes the growth of abnormal cells.
Exposure to Asbestos: Mesothelioma causes are often attributed to exposure to asbestos, since this is the most widespread cause of the disease. However, this is not always the case. It has also been discovered that other elements, such as cosmic rays or chemicals in detergents and industrial wastes, can also cause mesothelioma. It is difficult to determine exactly which type of exposure a person has had. Some types of asbestos exposure, such as that which occurs when a building is constructed with asbestos, cannot be proven.
Other causes for mesothelioma include exposure to chemicals such as antineoplastic agents, cytotoxic agents, herbicides and pesticides. An increasing number of occupational groups such as coal mining, chemical plants, power plants, railroads, and shipping yards have high levels of exposure to asbestos and other hazardous materials. Mesothelioma symptoms include pleural effusions, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and periculomatous mesothelioma. Treatment varies from patient to patient, and often it requires a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, there is no known cure. The good news is that mesothelioma causes are steadily decreasing and new treatments are continually being developed.