Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) and the heart (pericardial msothelioma). 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 years before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to show up.
Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres commonly used in construction and construction, is the leading cause of mesothelioma. Provo asbestos lawyers who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, a few people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite, and zeolites.
The most common mesothelioma signs include chest discomfort, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety 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 causes. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, which results 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 quality of life. In order to receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment, patients should see a doctor as soon they experience any worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.
If you are concerned about the possibility of developing mesothelioma in the future, you can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about the compensation options available. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and make enough money to live.
In a perfect world everyone would be able avoid asbestos exposure in the future. Many older buildings, specifically ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you have asbestos-containing material it is crucial to follow safety regulations. For example wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally, those who suspect they have asbestos in their home should have it checked by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure the material is not damaged. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the necessary precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, but it can also be the result of exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it can be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the heart and testicles (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s or 60s.
Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environments and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that naturally occur and produce long, thin fibers. They are durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was eliminated after scientists realized it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust which has tiny fibers. It can be breathed in when it is cut or mined. These fibers can get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can cause mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease extremely difficult to diagnose. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are referred to specialists after visiting their GP.
Asbestos has been phased out however, it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been linked to other substances. However, those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor.
Erionite
Asbestos is by far the most popular mineral associated with mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. In certain instances other materials such as erionite (a form of zeolite) are also linked to the disease. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or inhaled.
In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages up to 50% of deaths were due to mesothelioma of the pleural region.
A group of environmental scientists and geologists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances, can also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long period of time. This occurred in rural areas where mining and road construction occurred. 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, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.
Asbestos is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that people who have been exposed to silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you've got mesothelioma or were exposed to other forms of asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who can perform lung transplants, and experts in many other areas. They'll work together to create the best treatment plan for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and may be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs and heart. As time passes, the fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos can be exposed both in the workplace and outside of it. People in the military who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to asbestos while working. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most commonly used are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers that resemble a fragment and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.
Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs typically 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 heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.
Between 75% and mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working however, some have developed mesothelioma that has no identifiable source. 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 exposure is also a possibility when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is especially true following environmental disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires damage structures that contain asbestos.
Patients who suspect mesothelioma need to arrange an appointment with their doctor right away. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease when it is the most treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors more effectively they can ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.