Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the lung linings and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and minerals similar to asbestos such as silica and erionite.

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

Asbestos

Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were once commonly used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). Certain people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances like erionite and silica.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness in breathing, and a buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. To receive the best mesothelioma treatments patients should consult an expert as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should be aware that they can speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

In an ideal world, everyone could stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, particularly those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials should adhere to the proper safety guidelines including wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to remember that mesothelioma may still occur even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

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

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is one of the naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are very strong and withstand heat. It was widely utilized throughout the 20th Century in various industrial, commercial, and military applications. However it was removed when scientists realized that it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that contains tiny fibers. It can be breathed in when it is mined or cut. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation which leads to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease extremely difficult to diagnose. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. The only tests that can confirm mesothelioma are those performed by a, and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older buildings and homes. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances however, there is a chance that people who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of mineral can get the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma-related cause, it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In some instances other substances like erionite (a type of zeolite) are also associated with the disease. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma when it is inhaled or consumed.

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

A team of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to discover the cause of this unusual lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic 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 could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma lawsuits that resulted from Erionite was most likely due to long-term, intense inhalation of gravel dust containing the substance. 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 illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, causes symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion), and a loss of appetite, as well as weight loss.

Asbestos has been proven to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you've got mesothelioma or were exposed to asbestos of different types. You can get professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in many other fields. Together, they'll come up with the treatment plan that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by those who are near it. The asbestos fibers enter mesothelium, which protects the lungs and heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos is a risk both in the workplace and out of it. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are particularly at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos on the job. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most popular are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers, which resemble a split and be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first signs are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75%-80 percent of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure however, some have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or restoring old houses. This is especially true following environmental catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires destroy asbestos-containing structures.

If you suspect mesothelioma, make an immediate appointment with your physician. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes because doctors can spot the disease at the time it is the most manageable. The more doctors know about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure more effectively they are able to protect people.