Mesothelioma is a cancer that forms in the mesothelium, the thin tissue that lines many internal organs. The American Cancer Society (ACS) says that about 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma are found every year in the U.S.
Don’t we all want to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy? We do everything in our power to avoid things that would contract us diseases. But sometimes, being too careful does not always warrant us the safety we expect. In fact, around 10% to 20% of people who get mesothelioma have never been near asbestos.
So what causes mesothelioma other than asbestos? Mesothelioma can also be caused by other fibers (like erionite), radiation treatment, some viruses, and changes in genes that run in a family. It is very rare for cancer to develop by itself with no clear links to asbestos or any other cause.
People can get mesothelioma even if they are not around asbestos.
Understanding Mesothelioma and Its Connection to Asbestos
The cancer mesothelioma is not well known by most people. It is very rare but very dangerous. Many people who get it do so because they were around asbestos.
They get stuck in your lungs or belly when you take them in or eat them. Inflamed cells form over time when cells slowly break down. This can happen years or even decades after contact. Mesothelioma can happen because of this.
Asbestos can be found in workplaces, houses, ships, and other places. People who work there may be at risk. It’s important to find this sign quickly because it only shows up after the sickness has spread.
To know when to seek medical advice after suspected asbestos exposure, one must understand this association.
Stay updated and take steps to prevent health issues.
Exploring Genetic Factors and Predispositions
While asbestos is the prime instigator of mesothelioma, inheritance-related predisposition can also be an important factor in the susceptibility to this cancer.
People who have certain gene changes or who have a family history of mesothelioma are more likely to get it themselves. The BAP1 gene probably makes getting mesothelioma or another type of cancer a lot more likely.
Understanding your genetic background could assist in risk assessments. It is also important to consult a health professional to this effect since they can provide genetic counseling or genetic testing.
Environmental Influences on Mesothelioma Risk
Environmental factors significantly contribute to mesothelioma, and this occurs generally under conditions where there is asbestos exposure.
Industrial sites or old buildings around you would mean an elevated risk for airborne asbestos fibers having their routes of entry into your body. The contaminating action consists of mining as well as manufacturing activities to release them.
Some areas are natural deposits of asbestos, adding to the likelihood of non-direct exposure. It is known that jobs in construction and engineering make it more likely that people will be exposed to asbestos in the workplace.
Knowing these things can help you be cautious and be less exposed to asbestos in a certain setting and get mesothelioma.
The Role of Secondary Exposure in Mesothelioma Cases
Most people don’t realize that secondhand exposure to asbestos strongly increases the chances of getting mesothelioma. This happens whenever a person inhales fibers taken in by the clothes or skin of a worker who has had direct contact with asbestos.
An example is when a relative working in an environment where there are asbestos-containing materials might bring into your home those deadly fibers unknowingly. Most such exposures might seem minor, yet they might lead to something rather serious, like mesothelioma.
