Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs, 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 iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for a long time before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in the construction industry. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica, erionite, and zeolites.

The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are several types of mesothelioma. They include peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.

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

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma but treatment can help prolong the lifespan of a person and improve their quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice any alarming symptoms. They should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for treatments and pay for their expenses.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1999, still contain asbestos. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials should follow proper safety regulations including wearing respirators and protective clothing. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should only have it inspected by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure that the material is not damaged. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is crucial to remember that mesothelioma could still occur despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type 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 type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, but it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit at work and many were exposed to large amounts for a long period. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that make up long thin fibers, which are very strong and resistant to heat. It was widely employed throughout the 20th century in a variety of industrial, commercial and military applications. However it was removed after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not always apparent until years after exposure to asbestos lawsuits, which makes it difficult to recognize. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or coughing for a long time, chest pain or a lump that appears in the abdomen or chest. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.

Asbestos is no longer in use however, it's still present in many older homes and household items. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been associated with other substances. However those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common 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 inhaled or inhaled.

In the 1970s a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in villages in Turkey that contained Erionite. In certain villages where up to 50% of deaths were caused by mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked to discover the cause of this unique lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by Erionite was most likely due to long-term, intense inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. It was prevalent in rural areas where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) and pain in the chest (pleural effusion) loss of appetite and weight growth. Mesothelioma has no cure, and is usually fatal when it reaches the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to different types of minerals, such as silica or Erionite can develop mesothelioma well. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as you can. You can get professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. Together, they'll come up with an appropriate treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be inhaled by those who are in close proximity to asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs and heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos is a risk both in the workplace and out of it. asbestos lawyers poses a serious health risk for people who have been in the military or carried asbestos. There are six types of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has different types of fibers, which resemble a fragment and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first symptoms are usually abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be related to asbestos lawsuit exposure. The majority of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos at work, however certain cases do not have a clear cause. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos.

Patients who suspect mesothelioma need to make an appointment to see their doctor immediately. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors can identify the disease when it is the most manageable. The more knowledge doctors have about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.