Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the lung linings and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos 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 generally take 20 to 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers often used in construction. The majority of people exposed develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other materials such as silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest discomfort, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. In order to receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment patients should consult an expert as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.

Anyone who is worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should be aware that they can speak with mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make enough money to live.

The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the future. But asbestos can still be found in a lot of older structures, especially those that were built before 1999. If you are dealing with asbestos lawyer-containing materials it is essential to follow safety regulations. For example wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition, those who suspect they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure the material isn't disturbed. This can reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

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

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos in their work environment and many were exposed to high levels for a long period. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that naturally occur and produce long, thin fibers. They are strong and withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was phased out after scientists realized it was harmful to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to diagnose. The 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 sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older homes and buildings. While there are no known mesothelioma cases caused by other substances however, there is a chance that those who have been exposed to silica or other types of minerals could develop the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. Other minerals, like erionite a type of zeolite, have also been linked to the disease in certain cases. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is breathed in or inhaled.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma-related rate was observed in several villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In certain villages where up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by pleural mesothelioma.

A team of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to determine the cause of this unique lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma that was caused by erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking and exposure to other asbestos-related substances could increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long time. 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 with mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal when it reaches an advanced stage.

Asbestos is known to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that people who've been exposed to other kinds of minerals, such as silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, get medical help as soon as you can. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who perform lung transplants, as well as experts in a number of other fields. Together, they'll develop a plan of treatment that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is made of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos if it gets disturbed. The asbestos compensation fibers enter the protective mesothelium in the lungs and heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos is a risk both at work and outside of it. Asbestos poses a significant health risk to those who have served in the military or transported asbestos. There are six types of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most commonly used. Each type has distinct types of fibers, which resemble a split and enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it most commonly affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure however, some have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is because asbestos has been utilized in a variety of products, exposing numerous people to the dangerous material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes or fires cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your physician. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes because doctors can spot the disease when it is the most manageable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors, the better they can protect patients from exposure to asbestos legal.