Mesothelioma Lawyer
Cell Mutation and Cancer
Cancer, malignant tumors in particular, are formed when cells stop developing correctly and start growing at an insanely fast rate. This change is usually caused by mutations in genes that are charged with regulating the speed at which cells develop.
In almost every type of cancer that has been studied in depth so far, it has been determined that the transition from normal, healthy cells to cancer cells is a process that requires a number of steps. The transition requires a number of genetic changes in a number of different oncogenes and tumor suppressing genes.
Because the process takes an extended period of time, other than when there are known carcinogens in place to speed the process along, cancer is much more prevalent in older individuals. Yes, there are some types that are more common in children or young people but, on the whole, cancer favors the older generation.
Because there is such a low chance of any gene mutating, it seems reasonable that the chance of several different mutations occurring in the same cell at the same time is extremely unlikely. Because of this, the cells in a 70 year old’s body have had the time to accumulate the variety of changes that are needed to form cancer cells. At the same time, by the same logic, the cells of a child are much less likely to have acquired the requisite genetic changes.
Contact a Mesothelioma Attorney
If you have been exposed to asbestos which in turn caused the cells in your lungs to mutate causing mesothelioma or asbestosis, contact the mesothelioma lawyer of Williams Kherkher at 1-800-781-3955 to discuss your case and to determine any legal options.
