Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the sole reason for mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos like silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed may cause irritation to healthy tissue for decades before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres that was often employed in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, breathlessness and an accumulation 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, the esophageal and pericardial.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma by causing cells to grow abnormally and causing cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

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

People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma lawyer need to know that they can speak with mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help Mesothelioma attorney sufferers and their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos can still be found in a lot of older buildings, especially those that were built before 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials must adhere to the proper safety guidelines such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed If you suspect that you have asbestos in their home should have it examined only by an asbestos inspection certified by. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still be a problem even with the right 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 primarily through asbestos exposure, however it can also be caused by exposures to other minerals, such as silica or Erionite. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also occur in the lining of the stomach (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.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a collection of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are strong and resistant against heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to recognize. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing or coughing for a long time, chest pain or a lump that appears in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed by a test, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos is no longer in use however it is still present in a number of older buildings and household objects. There are no mesothelioma cases that has been linked to other substances. However people who have been exposed silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to speak with your physician.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other materials like erionite, which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to mesothelioma in a few instances. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in villages in Turkey that contain erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma lawyers accounted for up to 50% of deaths in a few households.

A team of geologists and environmental scientists together with mesothelioma specialists, 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 which made them susceptible to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma lawyer triggered by erionite is most likely a result from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long period of time. This happened in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that may cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite as well as weight loss.

Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-causing agent. Researchers have found that people who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other types of asbestos, get medical help as soon as you can. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll work together to create the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which naturally occurs, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate mesothelium, which protects the lungs and in the heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are particularly at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos on the job. There are six forms of asbestos, however chrysotile and amphibole are the most prevalent. Each type contains different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The first symptoms are usually 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 may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases are caused by exposure to asbestos at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable cause. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been utilized in a variety of products, exposing a lot of people to the harmful material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, because doctors can identify the disease at a time when it is treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos, the better they are capable of protecting people.