Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos is the sole cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for cancer genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos like Erionite and silica.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for a long time before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to appear.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of microscopic fibers that were often used in the construction industry. Most people who are exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Certain people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness in breath, and fluid buildup on the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, pericardial and esophageal.
Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a key factor. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma attorney (
Funsilo blog entry).
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice any worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be examined for the disease.
Anyone who is concerned about their risk of mesothelioma need to know that they can speak with mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.
In an ideal world, everyone could stay away from asbestos exposure in the future. However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1999. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines. For example, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home must be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspection. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could still occur despite taking the proper precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. It is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals such as silica or Erionite. The most common mesothelioma form affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that covers the testicles and the heart (pericardial and testicular
mesothelioma lawsuits). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s or 60s.
The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at work, and most of them were exposed to large quantities for a long time. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that naturally occur and form long thin fibers. They are durable and resistant against heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications. However, it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. When it is cut or mined, asbestos creates 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 are not usually visible until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to recognize. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.
Asbestos is being phased out however, it is still present in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances, there is a risk that people who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very like those of other illnesses If you are experiencing any of these symptoms consult your physician immediately.
Erionite
While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. Other materials like erionite, one of the zeolite types, have been linked to the disease in certain cases. Erionite, like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.
In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in villages in Turkey that contained erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50 percent of deaths in a few households.
A group of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma experts, surgeons and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could also increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma triggered by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. This was the case in rural areas in which mining and road construction occurred. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss.
mesothelioma lawsuits is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite and weight loss.
Asbestos has been proven to be the only cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma, or have been exposed to asbestos of different types. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The team of health care experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally, is made of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers enter mesothelium, which protects the lungs and heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors as time passes. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and outside of it. Asbestos poses a significant health risk to those who have been in the military or carried asbestos. There are six types of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are the most commonly used. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble a fragment and can enter the body in different ways.
Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The first signs typically include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma) or the heart. Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).
About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is especially true when environmental disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires destroy structures with asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of
mesothelioma lawsuits, because doctors can detect the disease at a point when it is treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.