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 as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos such as Erionite and silica.

Asbestos fibers swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for decades before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres once widely employed in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest discomfort, breathlessness and the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists aren't able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos is one of the main factors. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that can increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma lawyers.

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma, treatment can help prolong a person's life and improve their quality of life. To receive the best mesothelioma lawsuits treatments, patients should see a doctor as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be diagnosed with the disease.

People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma need to know that they can speak with mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

In an ideal world, everyone would be able avoid asbestos exposure in the future. But asbestos is still found in many older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material it is essential to follow safety regulations. For example wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home must have it inspected only by a certified asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals like silica or Erionite. The most common type of mesothelioma lawsuits is pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos while at work and the majority were exposed to high levels for a long time. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and produce long thin fibers. They are strong and resistant to heat. It was widely used throughout the 20th Century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. However, it was phased-out after scientists realized that it was a danger to health. When it is cut or mined into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to recognize. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing or coughing for a long time, chest pain or a lump in the chest or abdomen. The only tests that can confirm mesothelioma are those performed by a and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any documented cases of mesothelioma caused 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. Mesothelioma symptoms are like those of other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is by far the most popular mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. Other materials like erionite, one of the zeolite types, have been linked to the cancer in some instances. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, an unusually high rate of mesothelioma developed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma accounted for up to 50% of deaths in a few households.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and doctors worked together to find out the reason for this unique lung cancer. They discovered that a few 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. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related chemicals can increase the risk of 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. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma and various respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) as well as pain in the chest (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma has no cure, and is usually fatal when it reaches an advanced stage.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have had heavy exposure to other types of asbestos, get medical help as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with an appropriate treatment plan that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos if it gets disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs and the heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos can be exposed both at work and outside of it. Asbestos is a serious health risk for people who have been in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six forms of asbestos, however chrysotile and amphibole are the most common. Each type has different types of fibers that resemble splinter and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first symptoms are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. 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 intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75%-80 percent of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in many different products has exposed many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old houses. 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 treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes because doctors can spot the disease at the time it is most treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos more effectively they are in a position to protect their patients.