Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed may cause irritation to healthy tissue for a long time before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers that were often used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like erionite and silica.

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

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 attorneys as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they experience alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma.

Anyone who is worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can speak with mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and make enough money to live.

In a perfect world everyone would be able to avoid asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos is still found in a variety of older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials it is essential to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance, 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 have it examined only by an accredited asbestos inspection. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still be a problem even with the right precautions.

Silica

mesothelioma lawsuits is a rare type of cancer is a disease that affects the nimble tissue layer that covers many internal organs. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos, but can be triggered by exposure to other minerals like silica or Erionite. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a group of naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was extensively utilized throughout the 20th Century in a variety of 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. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties and coughing incessantly, chest pain 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 in use however, it's still present in a variety of older buildings and household items. 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 kinds of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to those of other illnesses and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause however, it's not the sole mineral that is linked to cancer. In some cases other substances like erionite (a form of zeolite) has also been associated with the cancer. Erionite, as asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or eaten.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In certain villages up to 50% of deaths were due to mesothelioma pleural.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma lawsuits experts, surgeons, and physicians, worked together to determine the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma attorney. 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 mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite probably resulted from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. It was prevalent in rural areas where road construction and mining took place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea), pain in the chest (pleural effusion), loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that may cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite as well as weight loss.

Asbestos is known to be the only mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have discovered that people who have been exposed to silica, erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you've got mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who can perform lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other areas. They'll collaborate to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which occurs naturally, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it is released into the air and can be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and outside of it. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos while working. There are six types of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are the most commonly used. Each type has various fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first symptoms typically involve abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had exposure to asbestos while working, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in many different products has exposed many people to the harmful material. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is particularly the case when environmental disasters such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes destroy structures with asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma make an immediate appointment with your physician. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can spot the disease when it is the most treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors, the better they can protect people from exposure to asbestos.