Mesothelioma – What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are the treatment of cancer with radiation genetics, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos compensation, such as silica and Erionite.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 – 50 years to appear.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers previously used extensively in construction. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other substances like silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are several types of mesothelioma. They include mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal mesothelioma.
Scientists aren’t able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that could increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong a person’s life and improve their quality of life. To receive the best mesothelioma treatments patients should consult a doctor as soon they notice any worrisome symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be diagnosed with the disease.
If you are worried about your risk of developing mesothelioma, speak to a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about the compensation options available. Compensation can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for treatments and help them make ends meet.
In the ideal world, everyone could stay away from asbestos exposure in the future. Many older buildings, especially those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos legal-containing materials must adhere to safety rules such as wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home should have it examined only by an asbestos inspection certified by. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma can still occur even with proper precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can be triggered by exposure to other minerals such as Erionite or silica. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.
Most people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their work environments and many of them for a long time. asbestos litigation 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 for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was phased out after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that has tiny fibers. It is a hazard to breathe when it’s extracted or cut. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can lead to mesothelioma.
The signs of mesothelioma generally don’t manifest until years after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease very difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following visiting their doctor.
Asbestos is not used anymore however it is still present in a number of older homes and household items. Although there aren’t any known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances however, there is a chance that those who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral can get the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.
Erionite
While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause, it’s not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In some cases other substances like erionite (a kind of zeolite) has also been associated with the mesothelioma. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or ingested.
In the 1970s, a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in the villages of Turkey which contain Erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50 percent of deaths in a few households.
A team of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked together to discover the cause of this unusual lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances can increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite most likely resulted from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long time. This was the case in rural areas where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it is often fatal when it reaches an advanced stage.
Asbestos is known to be the only cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who’ve been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma or were exposed to other types asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They’ll collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is made of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it is released into the air and can be inhaled or ingested by those who are near it. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs and the heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos exposure can occur professionally and non-occupationally. Asbestos is a serious health risk for those who have worked in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six types of asbestos legal, but amphibole and chrysotile are the most prevalent. Each type of asbestos has different fibers that resemble pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in various ways.
Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs are usually abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.
About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of patients had exposure to asbestos while working, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is because asbestos has been utilized in a variety of products, exposing many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially true after environmental catastrophes such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes damage structures that contain asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma, since doctors can detect the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect people from asbestos exposure.