Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma lawsuits) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation treatment for cancer genetics, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as silica and Erionite.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed may cause irritation to healthy tissue for decades before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 to 50 years to be noticed.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite, and zeolites.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is among the major factors. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. To receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment patients should visit an expert as soon as they notice any alarming symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be diagnosed with the disease.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should know that they can speak with mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make enough money to live.

In a perfect world everyone would be able avoid asbestos exposure in the future. However, asbestos is still present in a lot of older structures, especially those that were built before 1999. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials it is essential to follow safety regulations. For example wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home must have it examined only by a certified asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos but it could be caused by exposure to other minerals, such as silica or erionite. The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also occur in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that covers the testicles and heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s or 60s.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is a group of naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been associated with other substances. However those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. But it's far from the only one. In certain instances, other materials, such as erionite (a form of zeolite) are also linked to the mesothelioma. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma lawyer-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages, up to 50% of deaths were caused by mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked together to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from erionite is likely to be caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of gravel dust that contained the substance. This was the case in rural areas in which mining and road construction occurred. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma and various respiratory illnesses.

mesothelioma attorneys is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.

Asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. However, researchers have discovered that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals, such as silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other forms of asbestos, get medical help immediately. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with a plan of treatment that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be inhaled by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs, and the heart. As time passes, the fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos can be a source of exposure at work and outside of it. Military personnel who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to it on the job. There are six types of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers, which resemble a splinter and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often seen in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working however, some have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the harmful material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly the case when environmental disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires damage structures containing asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors are able to detect the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma causes and risk factors the better they are able to protect people from asbestos exposure.