Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals like silica and erionite.

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

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres that was often used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup on the lung. Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, the esophageal and pericardial.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos legal is a key factor. Exposure to asbestos is thought to trigger mesothelioma, causing cells to grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations, which can increase the risk of developing 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 most effective mesothelioma treatment patients should consult an expert as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. They should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should know that they can contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make ends meet.

In an ideal world everyone would be able to avoid asbestos exposure in the future. However, asbestos is still present in a variety of older buildings, particularly those constructed prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home must have it inspected only by an accredited asbestos inspection. This will reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the necessary precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, but it could also be the result of exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma typically develops after asbestos exposure, with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos lawsuit in their workplaces, and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is made up of a collection of minerals that naturally occur and create long thin fibers. They are strong and resistant against heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, but it was removed after scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. Asbestos is a dust that has tiny fibers. It is a hazard to breathe when it's extracted or cut. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which leads to mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, making the disease very difficult to identify. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and chest pain, or a lump on the abdomen or chest. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

asbestos legal is being phased out, but is still found in older homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been associated with 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 is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most commonly used mineral associated with mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. In some instances other materials such as erionite (a kind of zeolite) has also been associated with the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma accounted for up to 50% of deaths in some households.

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

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is likely to be caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of gravel dust that contained the material. It was prevalent in rural areas where road construction and mining occurred. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and is usually fatal when it reaches an advanced stage.

Asbestos has been proven to be the primary mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed to different types of minerals like silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, seek medical help as soon as you can. 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 variety of other areas. Together, they'll come up with a plan of treatment that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is made of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos claim fibers pierce the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs and heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos can be a source of exposure at work and outside of it. Personnel in the military who handle or transport asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos while working. There are six types of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type of asbestos has different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. 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 around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Around 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is because asbestos is used in so many different products, exposing many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially the case when environmental disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires damage structures containing asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma make an immediate appointment with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease at a time when it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors, the better they can protect patients from asbestos exposure.