What causes mesothelioma? For many cancers, figuring out the cause for an individual cancer can be very challenging. Why does a non-smoker get lung cancer and a smoker does not? Why do people with very healthy diets sometimes get stomach or colon cancer? It’s very difficult to explain, but mesothelioma is often the exception to the rule.
The medical experts tell us that mesothelioma is almost always caused by asbestos. In fact, mesothelioma is often called the “asbestos caused cancer.” This means that if you were diagnosed with mesothelioma you were likely exposed to asbestos. If fact, many people diagnosed with this cancer have been exposed to asbestos at multiple times from multiple sources throughout their lives.
Other Causes
Other than asbestos, there are a few other things that are believed to cause mesothelioma cancer:
Erionite
Radiation Therapy
Simian Virus 40
Few People Get Mesothelioma
This does not mean, however, that all people exposed to asbestos will eventually be diagnosed with mesothelioma. In fact, the opposite is true – most people exposed to asbestos will never be diagnosed with mesothelioma. It is estimated that millions of people have been exposed to this carcinogenic mineral, but only about 2,000 people per year out of these millions will ever be diagnosed with the asbestos caused cancer.
Clearly there is something else going on that causes some people to get this diagnosis, while others do not. So why do some people get diagnosed with mesothelioma, while the vast majority of people who were also exposed to asbestos, do not?
Scientists have been trying to answer two questions for years:
Why does mesothelioma occur in people many decades after the person was exposed to asbestos?
Why do most people exposed to asbestos never get mesothelioma?
In fact, the answers to these two questions may be related and involve what this carcinogenic mineral does in the human body.
How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made of billions of needle like fibers. These fibers are resistant to heat and corrosion, and because they are fibers, they can be woven into other products. In fact, the fibers are so small that they are microscopic and millions can fit on the head of a pin.
It is believed that the size and shape of these fibers is what makes asbestos so dangerous. It is thought to work like this – tiny airborne fibers become inhaled or swallowed. Because they are so sharp and small they become embedded in different areas of the body. Somehow they are either trapped or moved to the mesothelial layers of the body, the thin layer of lubricating tissue that surrounds most of the body’s organs. There, it is believed, they create chronic inflammation. Over time this inflammation may lead to mesothelioma in some people.
But, why does it cause mesothelioma in some people and not in others? Some scientists believe that the immune system plays a role in the cause of mesothelioma. One theory is that the immune system, when it is working properly, may be able to stop the creation of cancer. In fact, the immune system has a number of specialized cells which “patrol” the body and find and consume bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. But, in some people that immune surveillance may not be working as well as it should. This could be because of another disease process, poor diet, or perhaps even stress. Whatever the cause, once the body’s immune system is suppressed and not functioning as it should, the theory is that the asbestos fibers and the chronic inflammation may, over time, result in cancer.
If this is true it would explain several intriguing observations: 1) some mesothelioma patients like Paul Kraus, Ruth Phillips, and others who use immune boosting approaches as part of their care often experience a benefit of some kind and may outlive their prognosis by years or decades; 2) other theorized causes of mesothelioma such as radiation therapy and SV40 can affect the immune system.
While asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, some doctors have suggested that radiation therapy (treatment for another cancer) or a virus called SV40 may also cause or contribute to mesothelioma.
Radiation Therapy and Mesothelioma
Radiation therapy uses ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells. Like chemotherapy, radiation therapy is considered a cytotoxic (cell killing) modality. Wherever the beam is pointed, cells will be killed – both healthy cells and cancer cells. While radiation therapy may cause mesothelioma directly by turning healthy mesothelial cells into mesothelioma cells, another theory is that the radiation simply suppresses a patient’s immune system and once the patient’s immune system is suppressed the last barrier to cancer may have fallen.
SV40 and Mesothelioma
SV40 stands for Simian Virus 40. It is a virus found in some mesothelioma cancers as well as brain cancers, bone cancers and lymphomas. SV40 is a monkey virus that was released into the human population by the polio vaccines. Both the original starting materials (seed stocks) and the growth mediums used kidney cells from monkeys (African Green and Rhesus). These kidney cells were full of monkey viruses so when the vaccine was “harvested” many other extraneous viruses were captured as well. Simian Virus 40 was the 40th one found. According to early researchers like Dr. Bernice Eddy, SV40 caused tumors to grow in laboratory animals.
Obviously, the role of a cancer causing monkey virus from vaccines is a hotly debated topic. Nonetheless, SV40 is considered one of the most carcinogenic viruses known to man and some scientists believe that asbestos is the underlying cause of mesothelioma, but SV40 could play a co-carcinogenic role in some patients.
Is Asbestos Causing Mesothelioma Today?
While there is no comprehensive asbestos ban in the United States, asbestos was voluntarily taken out of most products by the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Nonetheless, older houses and buildings still contain asbestos in joint compound (in walls), floor tiles, acoustic ceilings, roof shingles, and many other building products. Asbestos may also be found in late model cars in brakes, transmissions and clutches. Many products manufactured in other countries and imported into the United States may also contain asbestos. There is no policing or testing of these products. In fact, when an independent cancer organization tested children’s toys imported from China, they found asbestos in at least one product. Therefore, it is possible that asbestos can still be causing mesothelioma today.
However, because of the long latency period, most people diagnosed today were exposed to asbestos decades ago. If trends continue, the frequency of mesothelioma should decline over time. Nonetheless, because asbestos can be found in so many older products and structures it is best to remain vigilant. If you think there is asbestos near you, call in an expert.
Learn More About Mesothelioma
Find out more about the causes of mesothelioma and read about the longest-living survivor, Paul Kraus, in our free book, “Surviving Mesothelioma and Other Cancers: A Patients’ Guide.” Get the book express delivered to your door for free today!
Using CT Scans in Surgical Decision-Making in Peritoneal Mesothelioma-Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos. The peritoneum is the space in your abdomen that contains the intestines, the stomach, and the liver. The abdomen (peritoneum) is the second most common site of mesothelioma after the pleural (lungs and chest). Most doctors believe peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers. Microscopic asbestos fibers become embedded in the abdomen (peritoneum). After about 20-50 years, these fibers can cause inflammation and mutations in the healthy mesothelial cells. These mutations may ultimately cause these cells to become cancerous. Thus, forming tumors in the peritoneum. Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may survive several or more years after diagnosis. There are long-term survivors, such as Paul Kraus. Using CT Scans to Avoid … Continue reading Using CT Scans in Surgical Decision-Making in Peritoneal Mesothelioma»
Mesothelioma Risk in Canadian Firefighters and Police-Firefighters and police usually work in high-stress, complex environments. And, these environments often have known and suspected hazardous and toxic exposures. A leading cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos is toxic and cancer-causing for human beings. Asbestos causes mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Canadian researchers published a new study in Occupational and Environmental Medicine. This new report characterizes cancer incidence among these occupations. Firefighters vs. Police The Canadian team used an Occupational Disease Surveillance System (ODSS) to identify workers. Then they compared compensation claims to the Ontario Cancer Registry. They found 36,267 people employed as firefighters or police in Ontario. In the final analysis, there were a total of 13,642 firefighters and 22,595 police. When compared with other workers, … Continue reading Mesothelioma Risk in Canadian Firefighters and Police»
Is Asbestos Fiber Type or Concentration More Important in Mesothelioma?-Malignant pleural mesothelioma is strongly associated with occupational asbestos exposure. The total asbestos fiber concentration may be associated with an increased risk of mortality. Asbestos fiber type was not as important. A new study looked at different types and concentrations of asbestos fibers in the lung tissues of mesothelioma patients. The team investigated their effects on patient mortality. Asbestos Fiber Analyses A Finnish team of scientists identified 590 patients to study. All patients had malignant pleural mesothelioma and underwent pulmonary asbestos fiber analysis. A pulmonary asbestos fiber type analysis is a special clinical test. It extracts fibers and asbestos bodies from a patient’s lung tissue. Usually, this uses a digestion-and-concentration technique. The examination may even include electron diffraction and energy-dispersive … Continue reading Is Asbestos Fiber Type or Concentration More Important in Mesothelioma?»
Dentists Exposed to Asbestos Could Trigger Malignant Mesothelioma-Experts have recommended a new plan to warn dentists exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been found throughout the world. Asbestos is toxic and cancer-causing for human beings. Dentists used asbestos in the manufacture of dental prostheses from the 1960s to 1970s. Generally, those who develop asbestos-related diseases show no signs of illness for a long time after their exposure. It can take from 10 to 40 years or more for symptoms of an asbestos-related condition to appear. Experts have recommended a new plan to prevent asbestos exposure in dentistry. This recommendation was created under the EuropeAid Assessment Guidelines. Experts also request the inclusion of the dental sector in the lists of professions with asbestos exposure. … Continue reading Dentists Exposed to Asbestos Could Trigger Malignant Mesothelioma»
Preventing Malignant Mesothelioma through National Asbestos Regulation-After almost 30 years, one key to preventing malignant mesothelioma is found. A national ban on asbestos in the Netherlands has shown positive effects. Results from a new study show the ban cut malignant mesothelioma incidence. Malignant mesothelioma incidence has peaked about 10 years earlier than predicted. This is after the Dutch national ban on asbestos. Mesothelioma treatment advances have led to somewhat better survival in the Netherlands. But the prognosis is still dismal. National Regulation Can Prevent Malignant Mesothelioma In 1993, a national ban on asbestos went into effect in the Netherlands. This ban was preventing malignant mesothelioma in future generations. Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer. It arises from the pleura or peritoneum due to asbestos exposure. A … Continue reading Preventing Malignant Mesothelioma through National Asbestos Regulation»
Asbestos Exposure During Childhood Can Lead to Mesothelioma-Scientists are looking at mesothelioma risk in women exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure in women varies. But, environmental and domestic asbestos exposures are common. Oncologists are now asking about childhood environmental and domestic asbestos exposures. A study from the International Journal of Environmental Research & Public Health tells more. Forms of Asbestos Exposure: Environmental and Domestic All forms of asbestos are capable of causing cancer in humans. Most asbestos research focuses on malignant mesothelioma. This is aggressive cancer associated with exposure to asbestos. Occupational asbestos exposure is the most common exposure. Workers are exposed to asbestos on the job site or through work-related tasks. Women more often have domestic asbestos exposure. This comes from living with and handling the clothing … Continue reading Asbestos Exposure During Childhood Can Lead to Mesothelioma»
Asbestos Exposure in Construction Workers Leads to Mesothelioma-Asbestos exposure in construction workers remains a particular concern. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare cancer with a global incidence. Italy is among the countries with the highest values of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is associated with exposures to asbestos fibers and other asbestiform fibers. Asbestos exposure in construction workers remains a particular concern. A new study describes the characteristics of Italian malignant mesothelioma cases among construction workers. Scientists analyzed 31,572 cases with definite asbestos exposure in the period from 1993 to 2018. Connecting Asbestos Exposure and Mesothelioma in Construction Workers The relation between asbestos use and the historical trend of mesothelioma is clear. Italian scientists assessed asbestos exposure in 78.2% of the mesothelioma cases. This accounts for 24,864 of the patients studied. … Continue reading Asbestos Exposure in Construction Workers Leads to Mesothelioma»
Historic Timeline of Asbestos Exposure in Denmark: Predicting the Next Decade-A historic timeline of asbestos exposure in Denmark has been created. This is the first known attempt to compile asbestos measurements in Danish workplaces. The Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment released a new report. It indicates that historical asbestos exposure measurements are valuable for current risk assessment. Asbestos Measurements and Concentrations This work shows the airborne fiber concentration ranges in specific work tasks. And it is divided into different industries over time. The historical asbestos exposure database contained 9,236 records. Of these, 5,869 data entries contained high-quality measurements of asbestos concentrations. The database includes data from 1971 to 1997. These historic reports can identify specific work scenarios with high asbestos exposures. There had not been any previous … Continue reading Historic Timeline of Asbestos Exposure in Denmark: Predicting the Next Decade»
Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report-Mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer in a new report by Radiology Case Reports. Mesothelioma is a rare and very aggressive tumor of the peritoneum. Similar clinical and imaging presentations mean mesothelioma mimics ovarian cancer at times. Yet, a history of asbestosis exposure is key as the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Imaging plays a key role in getting the diagnosis correct. It narrows down the diagnosis possibilities. Ultrasound-guided biopsy with histological study can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. Case Report Misdiagnosis The Bangladesh National Institute of Oncology recently published a case report. A 42-year-old woman reported pelvic pain and progressive abdominal distension. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a high volume anechoic peritoneal effusion. Further investigation showed extensive peritoneal disease and bilateral ovarian tissue … Continue reading Mesothelioma Mimics Ovarian Cancer: Lessons from a Case Report»
Research Advancements Audit by Asbestos Diseases Research Institute-Research advancements provide a brighter future for malignant pleural mesothelioma patients. Pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer of the lung lining. Mesothelioma is associated with asbestos exposure. Australian researchers from the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and the University of Sydney have reviewed the basic research advancements. Their new publication covers mesothelioma biomarkers and treatment strategies. There is a long latency period from asbestos exposure to cancer development. A lack of genetic biomarkers makes early diagnosis difficult. The prognosis of pleural mesothelioma is poor. There is an average survival of eight to fourteen months following diagnosis. Diagnostic Biomarkers Biomarkers are limited in the clinic to diagnose pleural mesothelioma. A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood or other body fluids … Continue reading Research Advancements Audit by Asbestos Diseases Research Institute»
“My Name is Paul Kraus and I Have Survived Mesothelioma for Over 20 Years.”
In 1997 I was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The doctors gave me just a few short months to live...
But here I am, 20 years later, alive and well.
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