Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for a long time before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 - 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in construction. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite, and zeolites.

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

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the main causes. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos law causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. asbestos legal can also cause genetic mutations that could increase someone's risk of developing the disease.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma treatment, it can prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they notice worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Individuals who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can consult mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos 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 example wearing protective clothing and 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 isn't disturbed. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, but can also be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or Erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops years after asbestos exposure with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos in their work environment, and most of them were exposed to large amounts for a long time. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was widely used throughout the 20th Century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. However it was eliminated after scientists realized it was a danger to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be breathed in when it is extracted or cut. The fibers may get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to identify. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and coughing incessantly, chest pain or a lump that appears in the abdomen or chest. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been eliminated, but is still found in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases caused by other substances but there is a possibility that people who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to those of other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause however, it's not the sole mineral linked to the cancer. In some instances other materials like erionite (a kind of zeolite) has also been linked to the cancer. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or inhaled.

In the 1970s, a high mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey that contained Erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma accounted for up to 50% of deaths in a few households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite is most likely a result from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. It was prevalent in rural areas where road construction and mining occurred. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that causes symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite as well as weight loss.

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, get medical help as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll work together to create a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos case is disturbed it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by those who are near it. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who handled or transported asbestos are especially at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos at work. There are six kinds of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most common. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers that resemble a fragment and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (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%-80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be due to exposure to asbestos. The majority of cases were caused due to asbestos exposure at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable reason. The asbestos used in many products has exposed many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially true when environmental disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos settlement.

If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease when it is most treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and mesothelioma, the better they will be capable of protecting people.