Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. It can affect the linings of the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before mesothelioma tumors develop. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers often used in construction. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). Some people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal the esophageal and pericardial.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a key cause. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma by creating abnormal growth of cells and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations, which can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

Although there are no cures for mesothelioma, treatment can extend the lifespan of a person and improve their quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you're concerned about the possibility of developing mesothelioma, consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about possibilities of compensation. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatments and pay for their expenses.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. However, asbestos is still present in a variety of older structures, especially those constructed prior to 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. In addition anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home should have it checked by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the asbestos is not disturbed. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds many internal organs. It is caused primarily by asbestos exposure, but can be triggered by exposures to other minerals, such as Erionite and silica. The most common mesothelioma form affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that covers the testicles and heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos in their work environment, and most of them were exposed to high levels for a long period. Asbestos is made up of a collection of minerals that naturally occur and create long thin fibers. They are durable and withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it is cut or mined. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma generally do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.

Asbestos is no longer used, but it's still found in many older buildings and household objects. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases caused by other substances, there is a risk that those who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to those of other illnesses If you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek out your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. But it's not the only one. Other materials like erionite, one of the zeolite types, have also been linked to cancer in some instances. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant rate of mesothelioma was observed in villages in Turkey that contain Erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural could be responsible for up to 50% of deaths in a few households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and physicians, worked to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from erionite is most likely due to long-term, frequent inhalation of the gravel dust containing the material. It was prevalent in rural areas in which road construction and mining were taking 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, can cause symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite and weight loss.

Asbestos has been proven to be the only cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals like silica or Erionite can develop mesothelioma well. If you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, seek medical attention immediately. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team includes nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other fields. Together, they'll develop the treatment plan that's best for you.

Other Minerals

asbestos law, a mineral that occurs naturally, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be inhaled or ingested by those who are near it. The asbestos fibers penetrate mesothelium, which protects the lungs and heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Military personnel who handle or transport asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six kinds of asbestos lawsuit, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most common. Each type has different fibers that resemble splinters and can enter the human body in different ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The first signs are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.

Around 75% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. The majority of patients had exposure to asbestos while working, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring old homes. This is especially the case when environmental disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires damage structures containing asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early treatment improves Mesothelioma case outcomes since doctors can detect the disease when it is the most manageable. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma causes and risk factors, the better they can protect patients from exposure to asbestos.