Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals like silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years for symptoms to be noticed.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were often used in construction. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials like silica, erionite, and zeolites.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelial, and esophageal.

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

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment can extend a person's life and improve their quality of life. In order to get the best mesothelioma treatment, patients should see a doctor as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can be examined for mesothelioma.

If you're concerned about your risk of developing mesothelioma, you can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about possibilities of compensation. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make ends meet.

In a perfect world, everyone would be able be protected from asbestos exposure in the future. However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings, particularly those that were built before 1999. If you are dealing with asbestos compensation-containing materials, it is important to comply with safety rules. For instance wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home should have it inspected only by an asbestos inspection certified by. This will reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, but it can be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that naturally occur and create long thin fibers. They are durable and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a variety of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. Asbestos is a dust which has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it is mined or cut. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to identify. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing and coughing incessantly and chest pain, or a lump that appears in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma can only be identified by a test, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after consulting their physician.

Asbestos is being phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. Although there aren't any known mesothelioma cases caused by other substances, there is a risk that people who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of the symptoms above consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

Although asbestos lawsuit is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause but it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to mesothelioma in a few instances. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in villages in Turkey that contained Erionite. In certain villages up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by mesothelioma pleural.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked together to discover the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related substances can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust that contained the substance. It was prevalent in rural areas, where road construction and mining were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been proven to be the only cause of mesothelioma. However, researchers have found that people who've been exposed to other kinds of minerals such as silica and Erionite can develop mesothelioma well. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you've got 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, as well as other experts. Together, they'll create an appropriate treatment plan that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral 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 near it. The asbestos fibers enter the protective mesothelium in the lungs and the heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur in a non-work environment and also at work. Asbestos is a serious health risk for those who have worked in the military or transported asbestos. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type has different types of fibers that resemble a fragment and can enter the body in different 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 the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.

Around 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be due to exposure to asbestos. The majority of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job however, some have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is because asbestos is utilized in a variety of products, exposing numerous people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true when environmental disasters like fires, hurricanes and tornadoes cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors can identify the disease at the time it is the most treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos and mesothelioma, the better they will be able to protect people.