Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma tumors develop. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to show up.

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 the most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like erionite and silica.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma peritoneal, pericardial meso and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists aren't able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos legal (check) causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to develop 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 quality of life. In order to receive the best mesothelioma treatments patients should consult an expert as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so that they can be examined for mesothelioma.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should know that they can contact mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

In an ideal world everyone would be able to stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos is still found in a lot of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material it is crucial to comply with safety rules. For example wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos litigation isn't disturbed If you suspect that you have asbestos in their home should have it inspected only by a certified asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could still occur despite taking the necessary precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that covers many internal organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos however, it could also be the result of exposure to other minerals, such as silica or erionite. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma of the pleural region but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma usually appears years after exposure to asbestos with many patients in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that naturally occur and produce long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was widely used throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial, and military applications. However, it was phased-out after scientists realized that it could be harmful to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not typically evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing or coughing for a long time and chest pain, or a lump that appears in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed with tests, and most patients are referred to a specialist after visiting their doctor.

Asbestos is not used anymore, but it's still found in many older homes and household items. While there are no known cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances but there is a possibility that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are like those of other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause but it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In certain instances other substances such as erionite (a form of zeolite) has also been associated with the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in several villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In certain villages up to 50% of deaths were due to mesothelioma pleural.

A team of environmental scientists, geologists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and doctors worked together to find out the reason for this unique lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma that was caused by erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite was most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust that contained the substance. This occurred in rural areas where road construction and mining took place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms such as breathlessness (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it can be fatal once it develops to a severe stage.

Asbestos has been proven to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma or were exposed to other types asbestos. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a number of other areas. They'll collaborate to design a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by people near it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs, and heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen professionally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for people who have been in the military or carried asbestos claim. There are six forms of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most common. Each type contains different fibers that look like pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in different ways.

asbestos lawyer-related diseases can take years to develop. The first signs typically include abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often seen in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

Between 75% and mesothelioma cases are related to exposure to asbestos. The majority of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working however, some have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is because asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring old houses. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos compensation.

If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your doctor. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes because doctors can spot the disease at the time it is the most manageable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they will be in a position to protect their patients.