Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It can cause damage to the lung linings, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors are the treatment of cancer with radiation 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 decades before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres commonly used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. People 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 materials like silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are several types of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a major reason. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. asbestos case also causes genetic mutations that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice any troubling symptoms. They should tell their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma.

Individuals who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma should know that they can consult mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatments and pay for their expenses.

The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the future. Many older buildings, especially those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials, it is important to comply with safety rules. For example wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it examined by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the asbestos is not damaged. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma can still be a problem even with the right precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is caused through asbestos exposure, however it can also be caused by exposures to other minerals, such as Erionite or silica. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also occur in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that surrounds the heart and testicles (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually develops years after asbestos law; Seouljs officially announced, exposure with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a range of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was phased out when scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. When it is cut or mined, asbestos creates dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers can get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not always apparent until years after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to recognize. It is characterized by chest pain, constant coughing, difficulty breathing or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified through tests, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following consulting their physician.

Asbestos is no longer used however it is still present in a variety of older structures and household objects. There aren't any cases of mesothelioma which has been linked to other substances. However, those who have been exposed to silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most commonly used mineral associated with mesothelioma. But it's not the only one. Other minerals, like erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to the cancer in some instances. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in the villages of Turkey that contained Erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in some households.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to discover the cause of this unique lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite was most likely caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of the gravel dust containing the material. This occurred in rural areas where road construction and mining occurred. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal when it reaches a severe stage.

Asbestos is known to be the only mesothelioma-causing factor. However, research has revealed that people who've been exposed to other types of minerals, such as silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. You can get expert mesothelioma treatment at Mayo Clinic. The team of health care experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with a plan of treatment that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos can be a source of exposure at work and outside of it. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are especially at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos while working. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type of asbestos settlement has different fibers that resemble splinters and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take a long time to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

Between 75% and 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases are caused by asbestos exposure 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 material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring older homes. This is especially true after environmental disasters such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma, because doctors can identify the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors, the better they can ensure that people are safe from asbestos exposure.