If you have a mesothelioma diagnosis, it’s important to understand what causes this illness. This disease is caused by exposure to fibers from the peritoneal mesothelium which are found in the abdominal cavity, the chest cavity, the heart and the lungs. The peritoneal mesothelium produces a lubricating fluid that allows organs to move properly and has a great deal of blood supply. While most workers who are exposed to asbestos are aware of the danger, many people are not as careful and develop this condition.
Mesothelioma Causes That having been identified so far have been exposure to cigarette smoke, exposure to chemicals such as benzene and certain types of fungi and the development of tumors that contain these cells. It is not clear why these specific genes affect cancer cells but research continues. If researchers discover additional mesothelioma causes, we may learn how to prevent these cells from forming. Currently, there are no cures for this condition but there are ways to manage symptoms and help the body’s immune system to fight them. The key is to identify mesothelioma causes early and to avoid being exposed to them.
Asbestos mesothelioma causes have to do with abnormal cell development. These cells are malignant or cancerous, and they can travel up the body and into the lungs. They also can be found around the heart and abdominal areas. Research has shown that people who have had exposure to the mineral while they were working have a greater risk of developing these cells in later life. If a person has had asbestos exposure, the best defense is to remove the mineral from your home and keep it out of your lungs.
Exposure to asbestos, whether directly or indirectly, appears to be the most important of all the mesothelioma causes. In fact, the virus 40 has been linked to this condition. The virus 40 may have some effect on the immune system and the lungs. Researchers think that if an exposed person has a weak immune system, the exposed cells may attack healthy tissue, leading to mesothelioma.
Some researchers think that genetic changes may be involved in developing mesothelioma. Studies of the Chinese and Indian ethnic groups show a higher incidence of mesothelioma in people whose family members have had the condition. However, researchers have not determined whether the increased risk of mesothelioma is caused by the genetic differences or by exposure to asbestos. If a person develops mesothelioma as the result of exposure to asbestos, the cause probably lies in the viral infection of the cells or in the changes that occur in the genetic material.
The last four types of mesothelioma are pleural (chest wall), peritoneal (abdominal lining) and pericardial (lining surrounding heart). Peritoneal mesothelioma is the result of a malignant tumor that affects the lining of the abdomen. Pericardial mesothelioma is characterized by tumors that produce an abnormal amount of blood. A chest x-ray will reveal the disease if it is detected during a regular exam. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the peritoneal lining of the lungs is affected, but no definitive diagnosis can be established.
