Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer genetics, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos such as Erionite and Silica.

Asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for a long time before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres once widely used in construction and construction, is the leading cause of mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lung. Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal melanoma.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a major factor. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Although there are no cures for mesothelioma, treatment can prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they experience alarming symptoms. They should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be examined for the disease.

Individuals who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

In a perfect world everyone could be protected from asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos is still found in a lot of older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos at home should be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspection. This will reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos lawsuit-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could still occur even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals like Erionite or silica. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment and many were exposed to large amounts for a long period. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are very strong and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, but it was removed when scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not always apparent until years after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by a test, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following visiting their doctor.

Asbestos has been eliminated however, it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma that 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 are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your physician.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause, it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. In some cases other materials such as erionite (a type of zeolite) are also linked to the cancer. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is breathed in or inhaled.

In the 1970s, an unusually high rate of mesothelioma developed in a number of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in certain households.

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

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

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it develops to a severe stage.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, get medical help as soon as possible. You can get professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who can perform lung transplants, and experts in many other areas. They'll collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which occurs naturally, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos if it gets disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen professionally and non-occupationally. Military personnel who handled or transported asbestos are at particular risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos while working. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first symptoms are usually abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often affecting the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Around 75% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. Most of the cases are caused by exposure to asbestos at work, however certain cases do not have a clear cause. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing numerous people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or restoring old homes. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes destroy asbestos-containing structures.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should make an appointment to see their doctor as soon as they can. Early treatment improves the outcomes of mesothelioma because doctors can spot the disease at the time it is the most treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors more effectively they can ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos legal.