Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for a long time before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma-related tumors. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres that was often employed in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances such as silica and erionite.

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

Scientists don't know the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Exposure to asbestos is believed to trigger mesothelioma, causing cells to grow abnormally and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that could increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve quality of life. In order to receive the best mesothelioma treatments patients should visit a doctor as soon they experience any worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

People who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and help them make ends meet.

In the ideal world, everyone would be able be protected from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, specifically those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you have asbestos-containing material it is crucial to follow safety regulations. For instance, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it checked by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma attorneys may still occur despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is triggered through asbestos exposure, however it can also be caused by exposure to other minerals like Erionite and silica. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that covers the testicles and the heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos while at work and many were exposed to large quantities for a long time. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively employed throughout the 20th century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was removed after scientists realized it could be harmful to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, 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 by a test, and the majority of patients are referred to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos is no longer in use, but it's still found in a variety of older buildings and household items. There are no cases of mesothelioma lawyers which have 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 are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. In certain instances, other materials such as erionite (a form of zeolite) has also been linked to the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely high rate of mesothelioma developed in several villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in a few households.

A team of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare 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, such as smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances could also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from Erionite was most likely due to long-term, heavy inhalation of the gravel dust containing the substance. It was prevalent in rural areas in which mining and road construction was taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) and chest pain (pleural effusion), loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal once it has reached a severe stage.

Asbestos has been shown to be the primary mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed to other types of minerals like silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you've got mesothelioma lawyer or were exposed to asbestos of different types. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team includes nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in a number of other fields. Together, they'll create the treatment plan that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which naturally occurs, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by people near it. The asbestos fibers penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and the heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors as time passes. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who transport or handle asbestos are at particular risk as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six forms of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are most commonly used. Each type of asbestos 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 issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is because asbestos has been utilized in a variety of products, exposing a lot of people to the dangerous material. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or refurbishing older homes. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma as doctors are able to identify the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos more effectively they are capable of protecting people.