Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer genetics, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as silica and Erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed may cause irritation to healthy tissue for decades before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres commonly employed in construction and construction, is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, a few people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials such as silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup on the lung. mesothelioma lawsuit also can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma peritoneal, pericardial meso and esophageal melanoma.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is one of the major factors. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma lawsuits because it causes cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma, treatment can prolong a person's life and improve their quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they experience alarming symptoms. They should inform their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be tested for mesothelioma.

People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma need to know that they can contact mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the future. Many older buildings, especially ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you have asbestos-containing material, it is important to follow safety regulations. For instance, wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure that the asbestos is not disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur even with the best 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 however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most prevalent mesothelioma lawsuits form affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma typically develops after asbestos exposure, with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that make up long thin fibers, which are extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was widely utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not typically evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, difficulty breathing or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are referred to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

Asbestos is no longer used however it is still present in a variety of older homes and household items. While there are no known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances however, there is a chance that people who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause however, it's not the sole mineral linked to the cancer. Other substances, such as erionite a type of zeolite, have been linked to the cancer in some instances. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey that contained erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma accounted for up to 50% of deaths in certain households.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked together to determine the cause of this unique lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from erionite was likely to be caused by long-term, intense inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. It was prevalent in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it is often fatal once it develops to an advanced stage.

Asbestos is the only proven mesothelioma-causing agent. Researchers have found that people who have been exposed to silica Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma lawyer. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma or were exposed to asbestos of different types. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll collaborate to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which naturally occurs, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs, stomach and the heart. As time passes, the fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur professionally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a serious health risk to those who have worked in the military or carried asbestos. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type contains different fibers that resemble pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma lawsuit).

Around 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases were caused due to asbestos exposure at work, however certain cases do not have a clear cause. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring old homes. This is especially true after environmental catastrophes such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires damage structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors are able to detect the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.