Norris Abt asked 8 เดือน ago
Mesothelioma Caused by Arsenic
Long-term exposure to arsenic can cause symptoms such as needles and pins in the toes and fingers as well as a garlic smell on skin and breath, as well as changes in skin pigmentation. It may also increase the risk of lung carcinoma.
Arsenic is typically absorption through contaminated water and food. It can also happen at work, if you are working on asbestos-related projects.
Causes
Arsenic is a natural element found in many aspects of our environment. It is essential for the human body to function, but excessive exposure can lead to serious health issues. Exposure for long periods can lead to mesothelioma and other cancers and heart disease and lung conditions. Exposure can occur when people work in certain industries, or eating contaminated food. The element can also be found in water and soil, especially in areas where mining or smelting has occurred.
Inorganic arsenic is found in high levels in groundwater of many countries including Argentina, Bangladesh, China, India and Mexico. Drinking contaminated water or eating crops that have been irrigated by arsenic-contaminated water are the most frequent sources of exposure. It can be consumed in the form of fish, shellfish meat and dairy products.
Although short-term exposure to arsenic may cause symptoms like skin discoloration, nausea, diarrhea and weakness, the most hazardous effects are triggered by prolonged or chronic exposure. It is associated with an increased risk of bladder, kidney and skin cancers. Diabetes and heart disease are also linked. Exposure can also affect a person’s cognitive abilities and their intelligence.
Arsenic interferes in the body’s endocrine systems, according to research. The endocrine system is responsible for ensuring that homeostasis is maintained and directing growth and development, so any interference could have wide-ranging consequences. Scientists are now able to demonstrate that even small amounts of exposure can alter the endocrine system, causing many different health issues.
Arsenic exposure can occur in the workplace when you use products that contain the substance, for example, metal-based pesticides and wood treatment chemicals. Arsenic is also found in water or food items that are contaminated, like rice. A popular online tool, TOXMAP, provides users with information on arsenic contamination in the United States. It includes marked-up maps of the country and information about the locations of chemical releases from government agencies. Local testing services are available to determine the presence of arsenic.
Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the body’s organs, including the lung. It may take years for the cancer to develop, and it is usually diagnosed in patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure. Patients may suffer from chest pain, coughing, and breath shortness. Making sure you have a mesothelioma-specific diagnosis is the first step in receiving treatment that can extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life. A misdiagnosis can derail the process and lead to an inexplicably long wait to receive effective treatments.
The time of lung cancer caused by arsenic differs than that of asbestos- or the radon-related tumors. The carcinogen affects cells in various ways. Asbestos and radon affect the cells that line the lungs however arsenic targets cells in other parts of the body. A new study suggests this distinction could be the reason the arsenic-related cancers remain elevated after exposure to the substance has ended.
This study examined people from northern Chile who were exposed to high levels arsenic through their water supply. In the 1950s, river water that contained arsenic at high levels was diverted for 13 years to Antofagasta. This led to increased cancer rates in this area of the country, with more cases of bladder cancer and lung cancer.
Other minerals, like lead and tin, can cause mesothelioma as well. Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibres which can be easily inhaled. These fibres can cause irritation to the lungs and create abnormal cancer cells. It typically takes between 20 and 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after exposure to asbestos.
Doctors employ a variety of tests to diagnose mesothelioma. These include a physical examination and blood tests, as well as imaging scans. A patient’s GP might refer them to a specialist for these tests, which could help doctors confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine whether it has spread to other areas of the body. Imaging scans may include X-rays (computer tomography), MRI (magnetic imaging) and PET scans (positron emission Tomography). Additionally, doctors may request an in-person biopsy of the tumor. A biopsy is done by removing a small amount of fluid or tissue from the tumor to be examined under a microscope to detect cancerous cells.
Diagnosis
Mesothelioma affects the surrounding tissues of organs. It is usually found in the tissue (pleura) of the lungs, but can also affect the tissues around the heart and abdomen. Exposure to asbestos could occur at work or in construction materials. Asbestos is a class of minerals that can be broken down into long, thin fibers. These fibres can be breathed in and cause mesothelioma once they reach the lung. Asbestos can be swallowed, or coughed up, which can cause cancer of the peritoneal region. Mesothelioma may take 20 to 60 years or more to develop following exposure to asbestos.
While the majority of mesotheliomas can be caused by asbestos, other chemicals can trigger the mesothelioma as well. Arsenic is found in drinking water that is contaminated and certain types of waste, and even certain food items. Asbestos can be spread through second-hand exposure, such as when people with asbestos on their clothing or equipment bring the fibers home to their loved ones. Workers in occupations which require long-term exposure to asbestos, such as shipyard workers and miners are at a higher chance of being exposed. Mesothelioma can occur in those who have not been exposed to asbestos in their work.
The uniqueness of northern Chile makes it an ideal location to study long-term latency patterns in arsenic-related diseases. The largest city in the region, Antofagasta, received high levels of arsenic in the drinking water from 1958 until 1970. The levels dropped after the installation of an water treatment plant.
In this case-control study of 232 lung and 306 bladder cancer cases as well as 640 ageand gender-matched controls, researchers found evidence of dose-response interactions between arsenic exposure and cancer. They also found that lung SqCCs associated with arsenic exposure exhibited distinctive genomic alterations not seen in non-arsenic-associated lung cancers.
These findings will help public health professionals design strategies to lower long-term risks and obtain the funds needed to implement them. They can also help improve the screening process for mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests, along with an exploratory surgery known as biopsy.
Treatment
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that is fatal, is a disease that affects the tissues surrounding vital organs like the lungs or abdomen. The disease is usually caused by exposure to asbestos fibers however, it can be triggered by the effects of contaminated water sources or other environmental contaminants. A doctor will diagnose mesothelioma after performing blood tests and imaging scans. Mesothelioma patients must be sure to provide all details of their past asbestos contact to their general oncologists, so they don’t get a misdiagnosis.
Mesothelioma can trigger a variety of symptoms, such as difficulty breathing and chest pains. Men are more likely to be affected by mesothelioma than females, and it can take up to 40 years to develop the disease after exposure. Mesothelioma is typically treated with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. This treatment is not available to everyone affected by mesothelioma. Patients should seek advice from a specialist.
A recent study of mesothelioma victims in northern Chile discovered that arsenic-related oxidative stress talcum powder causes mesothelioma the disease. This oxidative strain triggers the production of free radicals which can harm DNA and my response increase the risk of mesothelioma or other diseases. Arsenic compounds, like arsenite and arsenate interfere with cellular redox reactions and can interfere with phosphate transport. This could lead to depolarization of mitochondrial membranes and glutathione depletion. This can lead to an increase in free radical production.
Asbestos and arsenic as well as radon are all recognized lung carcinogens, causing a range of molecular alterations. These include mutations, gene amplification and epigenetic changes like DNA methylation. Asbestos and arsenic have been linked to pleural mesothelioma, which is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma. They can also cause of mesothelioma lung cancer peritoneal mesothelioma if the fibers are breathed in and then coughed up into the lung.
As opposed to the majority of other regions that are extremely exposed in the world, northern Chile only has a few large water sources for public use, and these have established arsenic levels that are well-known, with numerous historical records. These factors made it possible to make precise estimates of the lifetime exposure of the study’s participants. Based on this data researchers were able discover clear dose-response connections between arsenic exposure and bladder cancer in both smokers and nonsmokers. The results revealed an increase in the risk of cancer as arsenic levels in drinking water increased.
