Cause of Mesothelioma

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The cause of Mesothelioma is well known and has been established by extensive scientific research. It is primarily caused by the long term inhalation of asbestos. The deposition of the mineral in the form of fine particles leads to a high risk of the disease that may manifest itself only after a long time. This is a cause of mesothelioma.

Ninety percent of the cases are caused due to extended exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is made of fibrous strands. It was extensively used in various industries like ship building, power plants, construction and furnaces. The mineral can withstand the high temperatures and pressures seen in boilers and furnaces. It is one of the best known heat insulators and was used for well over a century. It was used in insulating pipes, buildings and electrical layouts. It was used in paneling of walls and ceilings. In automobiles, asbestos was used in brake pads and brake linings.

Asbestos is safe as long as it is kept in an enclosure, away from air and other erosive agents. The material easily disintegrates if there is constant exposure to straining and mechanical damage. The individual fibers are extremely light and are easily taken up into wind streams. They stay airborne for a long time and hence easily enter the respiratory tract.

Asbestos accumulation in the lungs –

Asbestos particles are easily absorbed into the body through the respiratory tract due to their small size that evades the hairs present in the nostrils. The lungs do not have a mechanism to purge such particles that may form a stubborn layer over the years. The body’s immune system identifies and takes effective action against foreign bodies like bacteria, fungi and virus. However, asbestos remains within the lungs in the absence of a natural process to purge it from the system.

The asbestos build up forms a scar tissue in the lungs, which impedes the normal functioning of the cells. Thus the oxygen exchange capacity of the lungs is greatly reduced. This causes a significant increase in the breathing rates.

Asbestos penetrates into the pleural layer –

The asbestos particles tend to accumulate in the bottom lobes of the lungs. Thus a thick film is formed just above the diaphragm muscle that is responsible for expansion and contraction of the lungs. The particles enter into the alveoli, the cells that are necessary for exchange of gases across between the blood in the surrounding vessels and the oxygen brought in with fresh air.

They pass from the alveoli into the outer pleural cavity that surrounds the lungs. Here, they penetrate the mesothelium or the serous membrane that is made up of a thin layer of moist and flexible tissue.

Mesothelioma of the lung –The exact sequence of events that trigger the development of Mesothelioma is not clearly known. However, there are a number of hypotheses explaining the role played by asbestos in such a disease.

One theory of the cause of mesothelioma suggests that the asbestos constantly irritates the surrounding smooth pleural layer. The cells carry out wound healing activities as a response to this, resulting in a scar tissue. This repeated wounding causes heightened activity of the inflammatory immune response. The result is a loss in control over the rate of cell proliferation.

Another hypothesis indicates that asbestos interferes chemically with individual mesothelial cells and influences their growth cycle. The processes of cell division, like mitogenesis are impaired by the asbestos ingredients. These cells lose control over the signaling required for proper cell division. The result is the formation of a cancerous tissue that steadily grows and invades the surrounding healthy organs.

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and hence avoiding it is the simplest way to prevent the condition. However, in unavoidable workplaces, proper safety equipment and adequate information can help to minimize the risk involved.

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