Mesothelioma – What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It can affect the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for cancer, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos (Read More Listed here) like Erionite and Silica.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 – 50 years to appear.
Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres once widely used in construction, is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lung’s lining (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, the esophageal and pericardial.
Scientists do not know exactly the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma by creating abnormal growth of cells and causing cancerous tumors. asbestos litigation may also trigger genetic mutations that may increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. In order to get the best mesothelioma treatment patients should visit a doctor as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be examined for the disease.
Anyone who is concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma need to know that they can speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make the ends meet.
The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos can still be found in a variety of older structures, especially those that were built before 1999. If you’re dealing with asbestos-containing material it is crucial to follow safety regulations. For instance, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition anyone who suspects they have asbestos lawsuit in their homes should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the material is not disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may still occur even if you take the appropriate precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is triggered by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals like Erionite and silica. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops years after asbestos exposure with many patients in their 50s or 60s.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and produce long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was removed after scientists realized it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut, asbestos claim creates dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers can become stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can lead to mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, constant coughing, breathing difficulties or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are referred to specialists after visiting their GP.
Asbestos has been eliminated however, it is still present in older homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma that has been linked to other substances. However, people who have been exposed silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your physician.
Erionite
Although asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma-related cause however, it’s not the sole mineral that is linked to cancer. Other substances, such as erionite one of the zeolite types, have also been linked to the mesothelioma in a few instances. Erionite, as asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.
In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in some households.
A team of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and doctors worked together to determine the cause of this unique lung cancer. They found that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely due to long-term, frequent inhalation of the gravel dust containing the substance. This was the case in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it is often fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.
Asbestos has been proven to be the sole cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you have mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. 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 inhaled by those who are in close proximity to asbestos settlement when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs, stomach and heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a serious health risk for people who have served in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six kinds of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most common. Each type has different types of fibers that resemble a splinter and can enter the body in different ways.
Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first symptoms are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).
Between 75% and mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. Most of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos is used in a variety of products, exposing many people to the harmful substance. asbestos legal exposure can also occur when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially true following environmental catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires damage structures that contain asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma, make an immediate appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma as doctors are able to detect the disease at a time that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma’s causes as well as risk factors, the better they can protect patients from exposure to asbestos.