Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the Mesothelium, the pleural membrane. The Mesothelium is the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs. Mesothelioma mostly affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. In fewer cases, the lining of the abdomen and the sac surrounding the heart is affected by this cancerous growth. In rare conditions, the sac surrounding the testis may develop Mesothelioma cancer. But in most cases, it affects the lining of the lungs.
What are the Causes?
Malignant Mesothelioma is asbestos-related cancer. It is very rare and incurable. Because it has a long latency period. After asbestos exposure, it could take up to 40 years in some series. When asbestos fibers get into the lungs, they travel to the ends of small air passages. Through small air passages, it reaches the pleura. They can cause inflammation and scarring in the pleura. It damages body cells’ DNA, and that results in uncontrolled cell growth. These fibers can also reach the abdominal lining. There they can develop peritoneal Mesothelioma. But as mentioned early, Mesothelioma is very rare. Most people exposed to even large amounts of asbestos, do not get Mesothelioma.
The reason behind Mesothelioma was virtually unknown until the 20th century. This type of cancer infection rates rose as industries increased the use of asbestos.
Staging of Mesothelioma
Several staging systems for Mesothelioma have been considered over the years. This staging system exclusively deals with pleural Mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma still does not have its staging system. The first staging system used for pleural Mesothelioma is the Butchart system. The Butchart system is based on a simple description. It does not consider histologic subtypes. There are four stages as per the Butchart system:
- Pleural contained
- Chest wall or mediastinal invasion
- peritoneal or diaphragmatic penetration
- Distant metastases
In recent days, the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) system is the most common system to stage Mesothelioma. The International Mesothelioma Interest Group has developed this system. The American Joint Committee on Cancer currently accepts this standard adopted by the International Mesothelioma Interest Group. It depends on three key pieces of information:
- The size of the tumor (T): How far has the cancer spread? Has it spread into other nearby pleura? Is it possible to remove it by surgery?
- The spread to nearby lymph nodes (N): Has cancer spread to lymph nodes?
- The metastasis to distant sites (M): Has cancer spread to distant organs? Has cancer reached the bones, liver, lungs, or pleura on the other side of the body? Has it spread to the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen)?
MPM usually is given on the results of a physical exam, biopsy, and imaging tests. After surgery, the surgical stage is determined by examining the tissue removed. Mesothelioma staging can be a complicated method. The doctor can explain it to the patient in a way he or she understands.
What is the meaning of ‘risk factor’ for Mesothelioma?
A risk factor is a few things that increase the prospect of getting a disease like cancer. Cancers are of various types that have different risk factors and Mesothelioma is one of the types of cancer. As an example, smoking could be a risk factor and one can give up smoking to reduce the risk. But other risk factors like a person’s age, cannot be changed. However, it doesn’t mean that having one or more risk factors will necessarily result in you having a disease like cancer. There are several instances of individuals getting the disease with no risk factor.
Who is in danger of Mesothelioma?
Researchers have narrowed down certain elements or factors that may increase a person’s risk of Mesothelioma:
The most prominent cause is Asbestos as 70% to 80% of individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is one of the natural minerals available on earth. Asbestos has strong, flexible fibers and fire-proof properties. That’s why, asbestos is commonly added to cement, insulation, roof shingles, and other products. People involved in making products containing asbestos or installing or maintaining these products have the danger of inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibers. Therefore, workers who directly work with asbestos constitute the foremost vulnerable section, prone to having this disease. The asbestos fibers can stick on clothes or personal items as specks of dust, thus exposing even relations of the workers to potentially high levels of the minerals. Thus, current safety regulations in factories that handle asbestos, require workers to wear protective equipment and to shower and alter clothes before leaving their workplace.
Despite such precautionary steps, a large number of Americans have the danger of exposure to asbestos. People in danger of asbestos exposure within the workplace constitute miners, factory workers, insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad and automotive workers, shipbuilders, gas mask manufacturers, plumbers, and construction workers. The relatives of workers exposed to asbestos at work also constitute the vulnerable section, because the workers can carry home asbestos fibers on their clothes.
Zeolites
The second risk factors are Zeolites as this mineral is chemically associated with asbestos. An example of zeolite is erionite, which is common within the rocks and soil in some parts of Turkey. High Mesothelioma rates in these areas are probably because of the exposure to erionite. Within the United States, erionite detection has been in areas such as Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Montana, and SD
Radiation Exposure
The third is Radiation exposure. Radiation exposure may cause Mesothelioma, like when a patient has previously received irradiation for lymphoma.
SV40 Virus
Fourth is the SV40 virus. Some studies have raised the chance that infection with simian virus 40 (SV40) might increase the chance of developing Mesothelioma. But most experts agree that we still don’t know if SV40 is the cause for some Mesotheliomas.
Genetics
Another factor is Genetics. About 1% of individuals, with Mesothelioma, get it as an inheritance. It means that an increase in the chance of developing the disease is because of the parent. Usually, it is a mutation or change in an exceeding gene, BAP1. It can result in Mesothelioma.
Age
Age is also a factor as the danger of Mesothelioma increases with age. Mesothelioma can occur in youth (even children), but it’s rare in people under age 45. About 2 out of three people with Mesothelioma of the chest are 65 or older.
Gender
Gender is also a factor. Research has shown that Mesothelioma incidence is higher among men. But it is unknown whether there’s a genetic component to the disease. The upper prevalence in men could also be because of the higher chance of asbestos exposure in male-dominated occupations.
Lifestyle
Finally, Lifestyle also plays a role. Good overall health can help lower the chance of cancer and minimize the side effects of treatment. Healthy habits like adequate sleep and proper nutrition may additionally improve a Mesothelioma prognosis. Lifestyle factors don’t directly affect the danger of developing Mesothelioma, but they will affect overall patient survival and treatment options.
How can Mesothelioma be prevented?
Mesothelioma is asbestos-related cancer. It can be prevented but you should educate yourself about where the particle may be hiding. The reason is that asbestos can linger in places we live and work. Awareness can help prevent asbestos exposure. If you can minimize exposure, you can lower the risk of Mesothelioma, and other health issues.
Ways to Prevent Mesothelioma:
- Avoid old Asbestos insulation products. These products can release dust when disturbed.
- Wear protective gear at jobs that have known asbestos exposure.
- If the building was built before 1980, check for asbestos before doing demolition or renovation work.
- Leave work-clothes at the workplace if you work at a place with chances of asbestos exposure.
- When working with asbestos-related materials, make sure your employer follows the Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
- Ask your employer about any asbestos health risks in the workplace.
- Don’t sweep, dust, or vacuum asbestos debris with a vacuum cleaner. Use a wet cleaning vacuum with a HEPA filter.