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Mesothelioma risk factors
By Eden Ali | June 20, 2007
The major risk factor for mesothelioma cancers, is working with and around asbestos. In virtually every condition, there has been a connection to asbestos exposure. However, mesothelioma cancers has also been seen in some persons who have been without any identified exposure to asbestos. In some uncommon conditions, mesothelioma cancers have also been related with irradiation, breathing in of other fibrous silicates, such as erionite, and intrapleural thorium dioxide (Thorotrast).
Asbestos is the name given to a group of minerals that exists naturally as masses of strong, flexible fibers which can be detached into thin threads and then woven.
Asbestos has been extensively used as materials in most industrial products, which includes cement, brake linings, roof shingles, flooring products, textiles, and insulation. When tiny and minute particles of asbestos float and are diffused into the air, particularly during the manufacturing process, they can be breathed in or even swallowed, and this has caused severe health problems, thereby increasing the number of mesothelioma patients.
Supplementary to mesothelioma incidence, exposure to asbestos have increased the risk of lung cancer, asbestosis ( i.e. a noncancerous, chronic lung ailment), and other related cancers, such as cancers of the larynx and kidney.
Also the number of mesothelioma patients have also increases as a result of the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure, and also getting certain cancer of the air passage ( such as lung cancer, bronchial carcinoma). Unfortunately, the Kent brand of cigarettes used asbestos in its filters during the first few years of its production in the 1950s and several cases of mesothelioma incidence have occurred. But, smoking modern cigarettes have not shown to add to the risk of mesothelioma incidence.
Alos some reseaches propose that simian virus 40 (SV40) may play a part as a cofactor in its growth in mesothelioma patients.
Topics: Mesothelioma epidemiology |