Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma. But not everyone exposed to it actually gets sick. In fact, a study in The Oschner Journal reveals that only 10% of people who work near asbestos develop mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a rare malignant cancer that poses a threat to the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart-the mesothelium. Though it is primarily caused by asbestos exposure, what causes mesothelioma other than asbestos?
The cause of mesothelioma continues to evolve. From genetic predispositions to environmental exposures, it can also be due to other viral links. These profiles are developed to add perspectives to prevent and treat the illness.
Let’s embark on a very brief journey regarding asbestos and mesothelioma, other possible causes, and the bigger picture in which this disease evolves.
Genetic Predisposition to Mesothelioma
A family member being infected by mesothelioma could also imply an increased risk for you to contract the disease. Genetic risk arises when certain mutations or variances in your DNA increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. Your parents give you some of these genetic risk factors that increase the chances of you developing this type of cancer.
The following genes are considered to increase the risk of developing Mesothelioma: mutations affecting the BAP1 gene and others may place individuals at increased risk of developing this cancer, especially if they have been exposed to asbestos.
According to New Mexico mesothelioma lawyer Margaret Branch, if you think that there might be a genetic link to mesothelioma in your family, it would make sense to speak with a genetic counselor or health professional who will assist you with assessing the risk, exploring your screening options, and giving you support with the decisions you may have to make in regard to your health.
Other Environmental Risk Factors
There are also other environmental hazards for mesothelioma aside from asbestos. If you get exposed to radiation, you are highly likely to contract this form of highly malignant disease.
Mesothelioma has been linked to ionizing radiation; some medical settings allow it, while uranium mining could be another source. Some minerals, such as erionite, which is just like asbestos and occurs in certain soils and rocks, have been implicated in mesothelioma cases.
Environmental pollution with certain chemicals and pollutants can be a cause or co-factor for mesothelioma. Environmental risks, by way of any predisposition and other factors, may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
Occupational Exposures Beyond Asbestos
There are hazardous materials such as silica, cadmium, and beryllium in industries like construction, mining, and manufacturing that are considered potential agents in the development of mesothelioma. Hence, work-related mesotheliomas are contracted through inhalation or skin contact by carcinogenic modification of the mesothelial tissues. The conditions of work in those places are very hazardous and that is sandblasting, construction, battery manufacturing, welding, aerospace, and electronics.
In high-risk industries, the employer must want to keep their workers safe by developing safety procedures, providing protective clothing, and monitoring exposure to carcinogens. Such asbestos agents damage and inflame cells, thus helping grow mesothelioma tumors. Equal attention must be given to strict control and preventive measures to protect workers from such exposures.
Potential Role of Viruses and Infections
Some viruses, such as the SV40 and cytomegalovirus, may be responsible in mesothelioma. Whereas SV40 was thought to have been introduced into polio vaccines and then found in some mesothelioma patients, with the fear that it might play a role in the disease, CMV is being investigated for its potential tumor promoter and immune evader qualities that might be involved in the development of mesothelioma.
How viruses and infections induce mesothelioma is still under research, and in any case, they should be considered together with asbestos exposure. If direct evidence showing the correlations between viral infections and mesothelioma can be found, the way to prevent and treat this aggressive cancer can be identified. A little more research may just be needed for definite understanding about whatever etiologic role viruses and infections may really play in mesothelioma.
Impact of Lifestyle and Habits on Mesothelioma
Everyday habits and lifestyles act as factors that influence the appearance and growth of mesothelioma. Then, of course, smoking poses a risk for many cancers, including mesothelioma. Weak and unhealthy lungs, damaged by the terrible chemicals in cigarettes, may be less effective at granting the body’s counterattack against asbestos-toxic insult.
Similarly, poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise, and inferior general health tend to make cancer difficult for the body to fight against. Also, obesity is a potential risk factor for mesothelioma and may decrease the efficacy of treatment. Stress and sleeplessness may, in effect, degrade the operation of the immune apparatus.
Negative lifestyle changes will obviously increase the risk of mesothelioma and decrease treatment possibilities through aggravation. Quitting smoking, eating well, exercising, staying away from stress, and getting plenty of sleep are necessary byproducts for maintaining your health through fighting cancer. Thus, some of those listed above assist the patient in improving his general health and keeping him safe against serum asbestos and other carcinogens.
Conclusion
Though asbestos exposure primarily caused the new mesothelioma cases diagnosed incidentally, other major factors do exist-especially heredity, environmental risks, occupational exposures, viruses, or even lifestyle choices. Knowing these other causes will help strengthen prevention and treatment for the really aggressive cancer.
Continue to encourage precaution, promote healthy choices and support research towards better protection against mesothelioma.
