Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. It can affect the lung linings and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include the treatment of cancer with radiation, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos like silica and Erionite.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can irritate healthy tissues for a long time before mesothelioma tumors develop. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers that were once commonly used in the construction industry. The majority of people exposed develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials such as silica, erionite, and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and the accumulation of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma. They include mesothelioma peritoneal, pericardial meso and esophageal melanoma.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a key factor. Exposure to asbestos is thought to trigger mesothelioma, making cells grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that may increase the risk of developing the disease.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. In order to get the best mesothelioma treatment patients should consult a doctor as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. They should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma.

If you are concerned about your risk of developing mesothelioma, you can talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about the options for compensation available. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make enough money to live.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, especially ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally, those who suspect they have asbestos compensation in their home should only have it inspected by a certified asbestos law inspector to ensure that the asbestos isn't disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos lawsuit-related diseases. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

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

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while at work and the majority were exposed to large amounts for a long time. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and form long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was widely utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was eliminated when scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, making the disease very difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified with tests, and most patients are sent to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos is not used anymore, but it's still found in a number of older buildings and household items. There aren't any cases of mesothelioma that have been associated with other substances. However, those who have been exposed silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very like those of other illnesses If you are experiencing any of the above, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other minerals, like erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to disease in certain cases. Erionite, like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or eaten.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural could be responsible for up to 50 percent of deaths in a few households.

A group of geologists and environmental scientists together with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and physicians, worked together to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families in the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma related to 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 a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long period of time. It was prevalent in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as pain in the chest (pleural effusion), loss of appetite and weight gain. Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and 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 may also develop mesothelioma. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, get medical help immediately. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team includes nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other areas. Together, they'll create the treatment plan that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos can be inhaled by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate mesothelium, which protects the lungs and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who transport or handle asbestos are particularly at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to it on the job. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type of asbestos has different fibers that resemble splinters and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs are typically abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect testicles and the linings of the intestines.

Between 75% and 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases were caused due to asbestos exposure at work, but some cases have no identifiable cause. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is especially the case when environmental disasters such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should make an appointment to see their doctor immediately. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes since doctors can detect the disease when it is the most manageable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos, the better they are capable of protecting people.