Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only reason for mesothelioma. It affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include the treatment of cancer with radiation, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos like Erionite and silica.

Asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for years before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were once commonly used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos lawsuits most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). However, some have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite, and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma attorneys symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos is one of the main factors. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations that can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. To receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment, patients should see an expert as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.

Individuals who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer (articlescad.com blog post) to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make the ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. Many older buildings, particularly ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials it is essential to comply with safety rules. For example wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma can occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals, such as silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the testicles and heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos in their work environment and many were exposed to high levels for a long time. Asbestos is a variety of minerals that naturally occur and form long, thin fibers. They are strong and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. When it is cut or mined into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not always apparent until years after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to identify. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified by a test, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after consulting their physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older buildings and homes. Although there aren't any documented cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances, there is a risk that people who have been exposed to silica or other forms of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to other illnesses, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause, it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In some instances, other materials like erionite (a kind of zeolite), have also been linked to the mesothelioma. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma when it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a high rate of mesothelioma was observed in villages in Turkey that contain Erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural could be responsible for up to 50 percent of deaths in some households.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and doctors worked together to determine the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking and exposure to other asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite was most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of the gravel dust containing the material. This was the case in rural areas in which mining and road construction occurred. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is associated with mesothelioma and various respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, causes symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite as well as weight loss.

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have found that those who have been exposed to other types of minerals like silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical attention immediately. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll create a plan of treatment that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and may be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The tiny asbestos fibers penetrate the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both in a non-work environment and also at work. Military personnel who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk as are civilians exposed to it while working. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble fragment and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take a long time to develop. The first symptoms are usually abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the linings of the intestines.

About 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos attorneys exposure. Most of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working however, some have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is particularly the case when environmental disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires destroy structures with asbestos lawyers.

If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your doctor. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors can identify the disease at the time it is most treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they will be capable of protecting people.