Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that lines the lungs as well as other organs can develop mesothelioma. Those who develop this cancer have usually been exposed to asbestos through their work.

Asbestos is made up of a group of minerals that create strong and microscopic fibers. It was used to make automotive and construction products because it is impervious to fire, heat and water.

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. The people who worked with asbestos, whether they mined it or worked with it in factories are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The greatest risk is for those who have been exposed to large amounts of tiny asbestos fibers over a long time. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until a long time after asbestos exposure. This is why the majority of mesothelioma cases are linked to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers are released into the air and can be breathed in or swallowed. These fibers may reach the thin layer of tissue which surrounds organs. This layer, known as the mesothelium can grow into mesothelioma cancerous tumors. Pleural mesothelioma forms around the lungs and is the most prevalent mesothelioma form. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal and pericardial. These form in the abdomen.

It can also occur in other areas of your body if you breathe in asbestos or consume it in smaller amounts. It can occur in the lining of the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the wall of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically the result of an injury to the mesothelium and it's difficult to determine if it was caused by exposure to occupational radiation or some other cause.

Certain mesothelioma patients have developed the disease through contact with another person. Take-home exposure occurs when asbestos is carried home by workers on their clothing or equipment. In these cases workers' clothing is often washed and cleaned by their families, resulting in a higher risk of exposure than anticipated. Some studies have found that the use of an asbestos-like material called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma developing in those who live near deposits of erionite.

Other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma include certain medical treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium and lead to mesothelioma but they aren't responsible for a large proportion of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Many other factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, a history of radiation therapy to the chest and secondhand exposure. A family history of the disease can also increase an individual's risk. Asbestos is still the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Workers who are directly exposed to asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma. This is especially applicable to those working in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and other related industries. People who work with asbestos litigation often inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or alter the material. These fibers can settle in the linings of the stomach, lungs and the heart. The asbestos may remain in the body for a prolonged period and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers to grow.

Inhaling or swallowing these harmful fibers can lead to pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and other forms of the disease. Symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to show. In order to diagnose mesothelioma doctors must first rule out any other condition which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of cancer. After exposure to asbestos the risk of developing this form of mesothelioma is thought to decrease. The risk of developing peritoneal cancer continues to increase even after asbestos exposure has ended.

Asbestos is composed of six metamorphic fibrous mineral that occur naturally. It is highly robust and is resistant to fire and heat which makes it a popular choice for industrial, military and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily used from the end of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was commonly used in ship, buildings automobile parts, and insulation.

Workers who handled asbestos or inhale it were the most likely group to have diagnosed mesothelioma. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have no occupational history of exposure to asbestos. These individuals were exposed to asbestos through other methods. For example, many women with husbands who employed asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing and skin. The asbestos contamination of Polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s has been proven to increase the risk of mesothelioma for those who were vaccinated.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma trigger but there are a variety of other factors that can also contribute to the development of. These could be related to a person's age, gender or genetics. People with a predisposition to mesothelioma or other health problems are at a greater risk than those who do not have.

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Workers with long-term, consistent exposure, such as shipyard workers or miners workers, are at most risk. Many mesothelioma patients did not directly interact with asbestos. Secondhand exposure can also occur when people live with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed asbestos legal - more about Mediaape,-based fibers. This kind of exposure is the most frequent among spouses of workers who handled asbestos.

The signs of mesothelioma become more apparent over time, and will vary depending on the type of cancer a person is. It is essential for everyone to be aware of their risks and talk to a doctor if they are experiencing any unusual or alarming symptoms.

Asbestos exposure can trigger three types of mesothelioma namely pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and peritoneal mesothelioma can affect organs in the abdomen and mesothelioma pericardial is found around the heart. The majority of mesothelioma occurs in the lungs. However, peritoneal mesothelioma could form in the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma pericardial forms in the lining of the heart.

Researchers have discovered that different substances can also cause mesothelioma. These include erionite which is a mineral similar to asbestos compensation, and radiation therapy. A virus known as SV40 and certain kinds of talcum powder may also cause mesothelioma.

The research into the causes of mesothelioma could help doctors diagnose more accurately and speedily. This allows mesothelioma patients to receive treatment earlier and better their outcomes. Knowing the other mesothelioma risk factors is important to help prevent mesothelioma in the future. For instance the use of talcum powder may result in more women developing peritoneal mesothelioma. We can cut down on the number diagnosed with cancer by educating the public about mesothelioma. This is crucial because mesothelioma may have symptoms that can be delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should consult a physician. Early treatment offers the best chance of survival. Research continues to uncover additional risk factors, including talcum and SV40. Knowing these dangers and how to avoid them can stop mesothelioma cases from occurring.

Asbestos is an asbestos group of mineral fibers with fibrous structure which was extensively used throughout the 20th century in commercial, industrial and military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature was a major draw for manufacturers. Researchers have documented the dangers and proved that asbestos was hazardous. Its elimination was a gradual process. People who were exposed to asbestos settlement in the workplace are at the highest risk for mesothelioma. These people include miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers, auto manufacturers, ship builders and others who handled or wore clothing that was contaminated with asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos law fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura) and are inflamed and then develop into tumors. The signs typically take a long time to show up but when they do mesothelioma has already advanced. It can be a sign of chest pain, heaviness or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is also a symptom.

Mesothelioma results from cancerous cell mutations. These are due to asbestos exposure, however many researchers believe that the genes of a person also play an important role. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome three that causes mesothelioma after studying mesothelioma epidemics in two U.S. families with Swiss ancestry. The gene mutation was found in every member of the family with mesothelioma.

Genetics is just one part of the mesothelioma enigma, but it is an important one. There is a very small proportion of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma. This suggests that genes play in a role. Most mesothelioma patients have mutated tumor suppressing genes. As the research advances these genes will be investigated and understood better to prevent mesothelioma. It is also likely that those with a genetic predisposition will require greater caution about asbestos exposure and will need regular screening for mesothelioma-related symptoms.