What causes pleural mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is one of the leading causes of pleural mesothelioma. Long-term exposure to asbestos fibers, especially where asbestos is used extensively in industrial production, significantly increases the risk of workers developing pleural mesothelioma. After asbestos fibers are deposited in the lungs, they can cause chronic inflammation and fibrosis, which may in turn induce pleural mesothelioma. The average latency period for malignant pleural mesothelioma is approximately40 years after asbestos exposure, suggesting a relatively long course of the disease.

Certain viral infections are also associated with the development of pleural mesothelioma. For example, infection with simian virus 40 (SV40) may be associated with the development of pleural mesothelioma. SV40Infection may cause genetic mutations, thereby inducing tumors.

Genetic factors also play a role in the development of pleural mesothelioma. Genetic mutations may increase the risk of pleural mesothelioma, although the specific genetic mechanisms are not fully understood. Studies have found that malignant pleural mesothelioma has certain familial aggregation, which further supports the role of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma may also be induced by radiation therapy to the chest or long-term exposure to ionizing radiation. Radiation may cause cellular DNA damage and genetic mutations, thereby increasing the risk of tumors.

In addition to the major factors listed above, there are other factors that may increase your risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. For example, repeated infections of the lungs can easily cause changes in immune function, thereby inducing tumors. In addition, exposure to other natural or man-made fibers, industrial compounds, etc. may also increase the risk of pleural mesothelioma.

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References:

https://www.pennmedicine.org/cancer/types-of-cancer/mesothelioma/causes-risks-prevention