Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as Erionite and Silica.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma tumors develop. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were often used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, some have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness in breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, pericardial and esophageal.
Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the major factors. Peoria asbestos lawsuits believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.
While there is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong the lifespan of a person and improve their quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice any troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma need to know that they can contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatments and help them make ends meet.
The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, especially those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material, it is important to adhere to safety guidelines. For example, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it examined by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure that the asbestos isn't disturbed. This can lower the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma could 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 the majority of internal organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, but can be triggered by exposures to other minerals like Erionite or silica. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s or 60s.
The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos while at work and many were exposed to large amounts for a long period. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and form long thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was removed after scientists realized it was hazardous to health. When it is cut or mined, asbestos creates dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.
The signs of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties and coughing incessantly, chest pain or a lump on the chest or abdomen. The only tests that can confirm mesothelioma are those performed by a and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.
Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. While there are no known mesothelioma cases caused by other substances however, there is a chance that people who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of mineral can get the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.
Erionite
While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause, it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other minerals, like erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to the mesothelioma in a few instances. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.
In the 1970s a high mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey that contained erionite. In some villages, up to 50% of deaths were caused by mesothelioma of the pleural region.
A team of geologists and environmental scientists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked 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 susceptible to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma caused by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long period of 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, causes symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) and chest pain (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain and chest pain, as well as fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite as well as weight loss.
Asbestos has been proven to be the primary mesothelioma-causing factor. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals, such as silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as you can. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The team of health care experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with an appropriate treatment plan that is best for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, which naturally occurs, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos when it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and in the heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos exposure can occur occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to it at work. There are six kinds of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are most common. Each type of asbestos has various fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in different ways.
Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first signs are typically abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect testicles and the linings of the intestines.
Around 75% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job however, some have developed mesothelioma that has no identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos exposure is also a possibility when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is especially true when environmental disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma as doctors are able to identify the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more knowledge doctors have about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.