Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos such as silica and erionite.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for a long time before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 to 50 years to appear.
Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres once widely employed in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, a few people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma including peritoneal, mesothelial, and esophageal.
Scientists do not know exactly what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that can increase someone's risk of developing the disease.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they experience worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.
People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.
Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos is still found in a variety of older buildings, especially those built prior to 1999. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials, it is important to adhere to safety guidelines. For example wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home must be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is crucial to remember that mesothelioma could occur even with the best precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos but it could be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s or 60s.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environments and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that naturally occur and form long thin fibers. They are strong and resistant against heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a range of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized it was hazardous to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can lead to mesothelioma.
The signs of mesothelioma do not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to recognize. Symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, breathing difficulties or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed with tests, and most patients are sent to a specialist after visiting their doctor.
Asbestos is no longer in use however, it's still present in a number of older structures and household objects. Although there aren't West Covina asbestos lawyer documented cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances however, there is a chance that people who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other diseases If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above consult your physician immediately.
Erionite
Asbestos is the most common mineral associated with mesothelioma. But it's not the only one. In certain instances other substances such as erionite (a form of zeolite) are also associated with the mesothelioma. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.
In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in several villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in certain households.
A team of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to find out the reason for this rare lung cancer. They found that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma erionite-related. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. This occurred in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it is often fatal once it has reached an advanced stage.
Asbestos has been shown to be the primary mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have discovered that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals like silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other fields. They'll collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers enter mesothelium, which protects the lungs and in the heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos exposure can occur professionally and non-occupationally. Military personnel who handled or transported asbestos are particularly at risk, as are civilians exposed to it while working. There are six kinds of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are most prevalent. Each type has different types of fibers, which resemble a splinter and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.
About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be related to asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring older homes. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can identify the disease at a time when it is treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors the better they are able to ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.