Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation treatment for cancer genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos like Erionite and Silica.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres that was often used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness in breath, and fluid buildup on the lung. Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma. They include peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is among the major causes. Scientists believe that asbestos lawyers exposure causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations, which could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they notice alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be tested for mesothelioma attorney.

Anyone who is concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma need to know that they can contact mesothelioma attorneys (visit the following page) to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and help make the ends meet.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos lawsuit can still be found in a variety of older buildings, particularly those constructed prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material, it is important to comply with safety rules. For example wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their homes should have it checked by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the asbestos is not damaged. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still be a problem even with the right precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds many internal organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos but it could be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops years after exposure to asbestos and many patients are in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos while at work and many were exposed to large quantities for a long time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was eliminated when scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. When it is cut or mined into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their primary care 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 forms of mineral could develop the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your physician.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have been linked to the mesothelioma in a few instances. 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 contained Erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in a few households.

A team of environmental scientists and geologists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked together to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma that was caused by erionite. 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 resulted from erionite is likely to be caused by long-term, intense inhalation of the gravel dust containing the substance. It was prevalent in rural areas in which mining and road construction took place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea), pain in the chest (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight gain. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it is often fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been shown to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that people who've been exposed to other types of minerals such as silica and Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you have mesothelioma or were exposed to other forms of asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma attorney, surgeons who can perform lung transplants, as well as experts in many other fields. Together, they'll create an appropriate treatment plan that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it gets disturbed. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who handle or transport asbestos are at particular risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos at work. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble fragment and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first signs are typically abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it is most often affecting the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be caused by asbestos exposure. Most of the cases were caused by asbestos exposure at work, however some cases do not have an identifiable cause. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the harmful material. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires damage structures containing asbestos.

Patients who suspect mesothelioma need to make an appointment to see their doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors are able to detect the disease at a point when it can be treated. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect people from asbestos exposure.