Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for decades before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 to 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of microscopic fibers previously used extensively in the construction industry. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Certain people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to other substances such as silica and erionite.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, pericardial and esophageal.

Scientists aren't able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is one of the major factors. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma attorney by making cells grow abnormally and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that can increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so that they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

People who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and pay for their expenses.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos can still be found in a lot of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home should be inspected by a certified asbestos inspection. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may still occur even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is caused through asbestos exposure, however it can be triggered by exposures to other minerals, such as silica or Erionite. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually appears years after asbestos exposure and many patients are in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work, and most of them were exposed to high levels for a long period of time. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers that are very strong and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th Century in various industrial, commercial, and military applications. However it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was a danger to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be breathed in when it is mined or cut. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified by a test, and the majority of patients are referred to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos is being phased out however, it is still present in older buildings and homes. While there are no known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances, there is a risk that those who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral can get the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most commonly used mineral that is associated with mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. Other materials like erionite, a type of zeolite, have also been linked to mesothelioma in a few instances. Erionite, just like asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a variety of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages, up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to find out the reason for this unusual lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking and exposure to other asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite probably resulted from inhaling heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long period of time. It was prevalent in rural areas where mining and road construction took place. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. mesothelioma lawsuit is a cancer that has no cure and it is often fatal when it reaches the stage of severe.

Asbestos is the only proven cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuits, or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll create a plan of treatment that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and in the heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos is a risk both in the workplace and outside of it. Personnel in the military who handle or transport asbestos are particularly at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to it on the job. There are six forms of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most commonly used. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers that resemble a fragment and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first symptoms typically involve abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often seen in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles and the linings of the intestines.

About 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos exposure is also a possibility when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes, as doctors can identify the disease when it is most manageable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma attorneys's causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect people from exposure to asbestos.