Published in February 27th, 2011
Advertisements
Malignant mesotheliomas are neoplastic growth of the mesothelial cells in the body. Mesothelial cells are found in the lining of various body cavities. To name, the pleura, peritoneum, pericardium and the testes are lined by these cells. The majority of malignant mesothelioma occurs in the pleura, accounting for almost 90% of all cases.
In the United States, the incidence of malignant mesothelioma is pegged at 0.1-0.2 in 100,000 which is higher than the international incidence of 0.9 per 100,000 for both sexes. A two to 10-fold increase in risk is seen among populations that are exposed to asbestos. Around 2500 to 3000 cases are diagnosed each year in the country. Peak incidence of the disease occurs in the 3rd and 4th decade of life, with two thirds of cases occurring in the 5th and 6th decades.
Malignant mesothelioma is more commonly seen among men with a male to female ratio of 3:1. Among men, 53% reported an occupational exposure to asbestos. The most commonly cited job descriptions were explosives workers, naval mechanics, construction workers, miners, automotive mechanics and even bakers. Around 46% of the men reported a prior non-occupational exposure to asbestos. Among women, 75% were reported to have prior exposure to asbestos, half of which were secondary household contact. Epitheloid was the most common histologic subtype found among women, and the mesothelioma most commonly affected the pleura.
Epitheloid, sarcomatous and biphasic (mixed) are the three major histologic subtypes of malignant mesothelioma. Sixty to seventy (60-70%) of mesothelioma are epitheloid. These transformed cells start off as individual nodules and plaques which then later on come together to form sheets. The plaques start at the lower portions of the chest, and slowly progresses upwards to encroach on the upper parts of the chest and interlobar fissures. Tumor growth, in most cases also encases the diaphragm, chest tube and various drainage tracts. If left untreated, the disease can quickly invade the parenchyma of the lungs, the esophagus, and may even reach the great vessels of the heart, as well as the surrounding bony structures such as the chest wall, ribs and vertebrae.
Exposure to asbestos is the principal and commonly cited trigger in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Different forms of asbestos, such as chrysotile, amphibole, erionite, crocidolite, and amosite are all cited to cause the formation of more than 80% of mesotheliomas. Crocidolite asbestos is commonly the cause for mesotheliomas found among miners, asbestos manufacturers, construction and heat workers. The amphiboles are found to be more carcinogenic than its chrysotile counterparts.
Exposure to radiation using silicates such as zeolite and thorium dioxide has also been linked to the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Although as of yet controversial, Simian virus 40 has also been touted to have an etiological role in mesothelioma formation. Chromosomal changes most frequently found in malignant mesothelioma include a loss of a single copy of chromosome 22, modifications to the p16 (CDKN2A) and p14 (ARF) of the tumor suppressor gene, as well as a functional loss of neurofibromin 2 (NF2). Interleukin 8 has also been shown to have a direct effect on the growth potential of mesothelial cells and thus also contributes to the sustained growth of malignant mesothelial cells.
In essence, exposure to asbestos still remains to be the most common instigator in the pathogenesis of malignant mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos by itself has also been touted to cause the majority of mesotheliomas.
Seomul Evans is a senior SEO Services and copywriter for Asbestos daily writing about Mesothelioma Attorneys.
Related posts:
- What Are the Four Main Risk Factors For Mesothelioma? A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for skin cancer. Smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx (voice box), bladder, kidney, and several other [...]...
- Do You Suffer From Mesothelioma? The cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. Now, in the 21st century (some 50 years later – the latency period of pericardial mesothelioma), these young men who are now over 60 years of age are beginning to exhibit the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. As with all cancers, early detection is [...]...
- Quick Introduction to the Truth Behind Mesothelioma I decided to create this article for all the people out there, spending all day searching the keywords “what is mesothelioma and what problems does mesothelioma cause” on Google. Many of us still do not know what is mesothelioma cancer or disease? Well this article will tell you more or less some of the information [...]...
- Mesothelioma Staging Systems-How Do You Stage Mesothelioma Most known cancers have various staging systems which have been developed to aid doctors and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of individual cases of cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is the only form of mesothelioma that has been successfully staged as it is the commonest type of the disease.There are three different staging systems used to [...]...
- All About Mesothelioma Cancer Mesothelioma cancer is considered to be the rarest and deadliest types of cancer, and usually affects the mesothelial tissues of the body organs, normally abdomen and lungs. It develops malignant and cancerous cells in mesothelium, which is the protective cell covering many internal organs of the body. It can even damage other body organs by [...]...
- What Is Mesothelioma All About? Pericardial mesothelioma: This form of mesothelioma which attacks the pericardium surrounding the heart is extremely rare. In addition to these conventional mesothelioma cancer treatments, there are also various experimental treatments currently under investigation which offer new hope. Your lawyer will need to know the extent of damage and the stage of your cancer, so it [...]...
- Is Mesothelioma Of Great Concern To You? The two places in which mesothelioma can develop are the lungs and the abdomen, but it is most commonly found in the lungs. None of these treatments seem to be highly effective in curing patients, but like other types of cancer, research is being done to try and find a treatment that will successfully heal [...]...
- Mesothelioma Facts Mesothelioma (pronounced “mez-o-theel-e-oh-ma”) is a cancer of the mesothelium, the protective membrane lining many vital organs, including the lungs, heart and abdomen. This membrane produces a lubricating fluid that allows organs to smoothly glide over each other as they perform their functions (e.g. breathing, beating of the heart, etc.). What are the facts surrounding the [...]...
- Claiming Compensation For Mesothelioma: Cancer of the ... Mesothelioma is a terminal and debilitating illness which almost always results from asbestos exposure. If you are suffering from mesothelioma as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation on a no win, no fee basis. Here is some important information about the asbestos-related form of cancer, mesothelioma, and how [...]...
- Mesothelioma and Litigation: How to Get Cash For Asbestos ... Mesothelioma is a particularly nasty form of lung cancer, and mesothelioma litigation is increasingly being used as a means of getting cash for asbestos lung cancer palliative care. Without it, many families would not be able to afford professional care for their loved ones, and would have to tend for them themselves at the worst [...]...
Previous post:
«
Five Natural Eye Care TipsNext post: Can HGH Supplements Like HGH Advanced, Genf20 Plus, ... »