Mesothelioma, Asbestos Cancer
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that starts in the mesothelium, a layer of tissue that lines the outside of the lungs, called the pleura, and the inside of the chest wall and abdominal cavity.
While many tumors have clear, defined edges, mesothelioma does not. Instead, it can surround organs and fill in the chest and abdominal cavity, compressing the lungs.
Mesothelioma causes
Mesothelioma usually is caused by past exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that in the past was used in several industries. These include construction, automotive, military, marine and manufacturing.
When tiny particles of asbestos are made or disturbed, they can float in the air. People then can breathe in or swallow the asbestos.
Asbestos fibers can remain in the body for decades. In some cases, these fibers cause genetic changes to mesothelial cells, leading to mesothelioma. The disease typically occurs 30 to 50 years after a person has come in contact with asbestos. Often patients will not be aware of this past asbestos exposure.
Asbestos can cause serious health conditions other than mesothelioma. These include cancers of the lung, larynx and kidney. It also can cause asbestosis, a non-cancerous, chronic lung disease.
Types f mesothelioma
Most cases of mesothelioma start in the pleura. This type of mesothelioma also is called malignant pleural mesothelioma.
A rarer type of mesothelioma starts in the abdomen and is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is also categorized by the type of mesothelial cells where the disease starts. These types of mesothelioma are:
Epithelioid: This accounts for 60% to 70% of mesothelioma cases. It usually has the best outcomes.
Sarcomatoid: About 10% to 15% of cases are sarcomatoid mesothelioma. It is more aggressive than epithelioid mesothelioma.
Biphasic or mixed: This type of mesothelioma has both epitheliod and sarcomatoid cells. Between 10% and 15% of cases fall into this category. This is an extremely aggressive form of the disease.
Mesothelioma risk factors
Anything that increases your chance of getting mesothelioma is a risk factor. The risk factors for mesothelioma are:
Asbestos exposure: Asbestos exposure accounts for most cases of mesothelioma. Exposure usually occurred decades before the disease is diagnosed.
Gender: Mesothelioma is more common in men. This is likely due to more men than women working in industries that frequently used asbestos, such as construction and manufacturing.
Genetic changes: A small percentage of mesothelioma cases are connected to a mutation in the BAP1 gene. Doctors believe this mutation increases the chances of developing mesothelioma in those who are exposed to asbestos.
Radiation exposure: People who have received radiation for other cancers may later develop mesothelioma. This is not a major risk factor, and the benefits of radiation therapy as a cancer treatment far outweigh the risks.
Not everyone with risk factors gets mesothelioma. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos, it’s a good idea to tell your doctor.
