Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin membrane that lines the chest or abdomen. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the time and intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma could be wondering how this happened. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them track down possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an unusual type of cancer that affects the lung’s lining (pleura) or the tummy (peritoneum). It is usually related to asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is extremely rare, affecting only one out of 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is composed of microscopic and strong fibers. It was used in thousands of commercial, industrial and residential products including drywall, insulation, pipes, glues, tiles and cement. The most common type of asbestos associated with mesothelioma, called chrysotile, is the chrysotile. The people who work with asbestos on a daily basis are at the highest risk, particularly those who were exposed in their work environments, such as shipyard workers construction workers, shipyard workers asbestos manufacturers and others who handled asbestos in the form of mixed or removed. Men are more likely to be employed in occupations where they were exposed to asbestos than women, and this could be the reason why more men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you’re diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will review your history and may determine your diagnosis using a variety of instruments. This includes a physical exam, chest x rays and lung function tests. They will also inquire about your work, lifestyle, and family history. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist.
You’ll need to be recommended by your GP however, the process of referral can differ depending on where you live.
There are many factors which could affect your treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma however, early detection can improve your chances of survival and allow you to receive the treatment you require. Speak to your GP when you experience any symptoms. They may refer you specialists or the top mesothelioma clinics. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and help you find a treatment that is appropriate for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings that surround various organs. It’s typically found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also be found in the tummy’s lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. The cancer is not curable but treatment can reduce symptoms.
The single most important reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The fire- and heat-resistant mineral was used in the production of a variety building and construction materials until it was banned in 1970. Workers who handle or remove these materials, like electricians, plumbers, and miners and pipefitters, insulators and re-modelers of older homes are at risk.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through inhaling or swallowing the small fibers. These fibers may then penetrate the mesothelium and create a tumor. The majority of these tumors are malignant and may spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma attorney usually are not evident until years after exposure. They can include breathlessness or chest pain as well as abdominal distress. If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also request an appointment with mesothelioma specialists for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, along with environmental and chemical factors, play a role in mesothelioma lawyers. Some of these factors could act as cocarcinogens – chemicals that can increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown viruses, such as the SV40, may be associated with mesothelioma. A few studies suggest that talcum, which is more commonly used by women than men, may contribute to mesothelioma.
To better know the causes of Mesothelioma more research is required. As more information is discovered, doctors can provide better treatment options and hopefully reduce the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most commonly cited cause but it is vital to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This can improve patient outcomes and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives and are used to produce in many industries. Chemical usage has increased due to industrial development and the demand for both goods and services. This has affected the environment and worker safety, especially for those who are exposed to chemicals or come into contact with them on a regular basis.
Chemicals can be absorbed into the body via inhalation, ingestion and contact with the skin. Once a chemical is absorbed into the bloodstream, it may be harmful or not depending on the liver’s process. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent that can cause liver damage. When ingested, the body can break down some chemicals into safer substances. This process is called metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals could cause cancer and other health problems. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the organs’ linings and other structures in the body. Mesothelioma is most often seen following exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a mixture of the two called biphasic mesothelioma. The symptoms typically manifest in the chest wall and lungs however, they can also manifest in the abdomen and heart.
The signs of mesothelioma do not generally show up until 20 to 60 years after the first asbestos exposure. When symptoms do show up it is crucial to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis from a specialist, rather than a general oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are well-versed in the types of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma. They are able to accurately diagnose this disease depending on the individual’s exposure history.
Many people who have been exposed to asbestos don’t realize they are at risk of developing mesothelioma, or their physician does not believe mesothelioma is the right diagnosis based on their exposure experience. People who have a parent or a sibling with mesothelioma could also be at an increased risk of developing this type of cancer. It is important to talk to a mesothelioma doctor about your asbestos exposure and any health issues that you are experiencing.
4. Genetics
Research has found that certain genes may increase the mesothelioma-related risk. People who have a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma, even after a small amount of exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of the mesothelium, the tissue that covers most internal organs. Asbestos fibers can penetrate this thin tissue layer, and the sharp edges disrupt the genetic balance of cells over time. Cells that are not balanced can grow out of control and duplicate themselves and form clusters. Over time the clumps may develop into tumors that can affect surrounding tissues and organs.
Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, but other causes exist. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals, such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma due to contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past to shield pipes made of metal. Other asbestos products included shingles and fireproof cloth.
A genetic mutation on chromosome3 can also lead to mesothelioma. This mutation is a mutation of the BAP1 gene, which controls the channel that moves calcium within cells. When this gene is mutated, calcium levels drop which can increase the risk of cancer in a person due to asbestos and other carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering within certain families, including those with no known occupational asbestos exposure. Family members affected carry the BAP1 gene mutation that leads them to mesothelioma. In one mesothelioma lawyer linked family, every affected member carried the same BAP1 gene mutation.
Researchers are trying to figure out what causes mesothelioma. The more information doctors have, the better they can diagnose and treat mesothelioma in the early stages. Identifying factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma in an individual can help in preventing.
A lot of the mesothelioma risk factors, such as smoking and family history, can be changed. Some risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has been reduced thanks to the bans on it, mesothelioma cases are still increasing worldwide. This is due to an array of environmental and genetic factors contributes to the condition. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to the fact that males are more likely to be employed in industrial jobs with asbestos exposure. This is also because wives of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos on their husbands’ clothing.