Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting a layer called mesothelium. The mesothelium is a layer that covers many organs like the lungs, heart, testes, and abdomen. Mesothelium which covers the heart is known as the pericardium, while mesothelium which covers the lungs is known as pleura. Tunica vaginalis is the mesothelium covering the testes, while peritoneum is the name for mesothelium that covers the abdomen. 80% of mesothelioma arises from the pleura or the covering of the lungs. Mesothelioma Treatments near me are supposed to be the first question pop out in your mind if you know anyone who is just diagnosed with mesothelioma or you were just diagnosed with mesothelioma.
A data shows that in America, 3300 new cases are reported annually. The number of cases in America is highest around the year of 2000 and gradually decreasing following active interventions done in the United States and globally. However, it was reported that the peak for new cases in England is around the year 2015. There is a list of risk factors for developing mesothelioma. This is because the understanding and interventions in managing the risk factors and causes for mesothelioma globally are a bit slow compared to the United States of America.
The risk factors are:
- Asbestos exposure
- Occupational exposure
- Non occupational exposure
- Radiation
- Carbon nanotubes
- Viral oncogenes
- Genetic factors
The most important risk factor is asbestos exposure. Asbestos exposures are responsible for 70% of mesothelioma cases globally. Asbestos is the main factor for the mesothelioma burden worldwide. Asbestos is the name for a group of hydrated magnesium silicate fibrous minerals and they exist as long fibres in rocks and soil. Two major types of asbestos are amphibole and serpentine. Around 95% of asbestos manufactured and used worldwide is made of chrysotile (a serpentine fibre which claimed to be less carcinogenic). The thing is even chrysotile was reported as the cause of many cases of mesothelioma.
The wonderful property of asbestos that causes the mass usage of this mineral is heat resistance and combustion resistance. Asbestos is widely used in ceiling, cement, tiles, ships, and vehicles brakes. Next is occupational exposure. The active intervention in controlling occupational exposure has proven to reduce the number of mesothelioma cases. The occupational exposure to asbestos usually takes around 15 years before the onset of mesothelioma. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of America has decided that the safety level for asbestos exposure is 0.1 fibres/mL. Workers must use protective clothing, respirators, and showers if exposed to higher asbestos concentration. Asbestos workers are at a high risk to develop cancerous and non-cancerous lung diseases.
50% of asbestos workers will die because of cancer and 8% will die because of respiratory failure. Next is non-occupational exposure to asbestos. Rural areas in countries like Turkey and Greece were reported to have high asbestos within their soil. A high number of mesothelioma cases were reported from those regions. Carbon nanotubes are materials that have the same properties as asbestos. Animal studies have shown that exposure to carbon nanotubes will cause the development of mesothelioma.
Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are the treatment options in curing mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Treatments near me should be the question you ask to fight against this disease.
