What are the underlying causes of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma (erroneously referred to as mesothelomia or mesotheleoma) is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, a protective layer of tissue that surrounds many organs of the body. Malignant (cancer) cells are often found in the mesothelium of people who have been exposed to asbestos, whether through work in construction, during home renovation - or through handling and washing work-clothes containing asbestos dust or fibres. In the US alone, about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed annually, more in men than in women.The Mesothelium
Mesothelioma takes its name from the mesothelium (hence, it is incorrect to spell it mesothelomia). The mesothelium has different names, according to where it is located in the body: for example, the mesothelia in the abdominal cavity are called the peritoneum; the pleura is the layer around the lungs; and the pericardium surrounds the heart.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of minerals that occur naturally as flexible, strong fibers. These minerals have been commercially used in the US since the late 1800s to produce a wide variety of products, including cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products and insulation. In the 1950s, the Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters. Because asbestos is a fibrous material, small pieces may easily break off and be inhaled or swallowed without being noticed, but raise the risk of significant health problems, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and cancers of the larynx and kidney.
Causes and Risk Factors
In mesothelioma, the name of cancer of the mesothelium, cells in the mesothelium begin to behave abnormally, dividing and multiplying rapildy, and often invading nearby organs and tissues. In most cases, the original mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum. These cancer cells can also spread or gmetastasizeh to other parts of the body.
The commonest risk factor for mesothelioma is working with asbestos. This risk factor is present in almost all cases, although a few cases withotu known exposure to asbestos have been documented.
Who is at Risk?
Industrial use of asbestos dramatically increased during World War II, and since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, associated risks of asbestos exposure were not known; however, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, and other tradespeople.
People living with asbestos-workers are at increased risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, possibly because of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the asbestos workersf clothing and hair.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Unfortuantely, mesothelioma symptoms often do not appear until 30-50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms vary and include shortness of breath and chest-pain (in cases of pleural mesothelioma); weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling (in cases of peritoneal mesothelioma); and bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever, among others.
Legal Limits
In 1972, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration began regulating asbestos and strengthening work safety standards. Large class action lawsuits were filed and won against asbestos companies, which had probable prior knowledge of the dangers involved.
In 1989, the Environmental Protection Agency imposed a ban on 94% of U.S. asbestos production and imports, to be phased in over a seven year period. Most current asbestos exposure comes from asbestos in older buildings and products such as automobile brakes.
Today, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear protective equipment to lower their exposure risk.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of mesothelioma begins with a review of the patients's medical history, in particular any asbestos exposure. Various tests may also be performed, including X-ray, CAT scan or MRI scan. Finally, a biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Treatments for mesothelioma depend on various factors, including the cancer cells' location, the stage of disease progresss. and the patient's age and overall health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, sometimes in combination with each other.
For more information about mesothelioma, ask your doctor.