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

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for a long time before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 to 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres once widely employed in construction and construction, is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other substances such as silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness in breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lung. Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, pericardial and esophageal.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a major cause. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma through making cells grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations, which could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma treatment, it can prolong the lifespan of a person and improve their quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. They should tell their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you're concerned about the likelihood of developing mesothelioma, you can speak to a mesothelioma attorney to learn more about the options for compensation available. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make the ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. But asbestos litigation can still be found in a variety of older structures, especially those constructed prior to 1999. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing items should follow proper safety regulations such as wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition, those who suspect they have asbestos attorney in their homes should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the asbestos is not damaged. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos lawyer-related illnesses. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

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

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos at work and many were exposed to high levels for a long period of time. asbestos claim is a class of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are very strong and withstand heat. It was widely used throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However, it was phased-out after scientists realized it could be harmful to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers can get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma generally do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, making the disease extremely difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or coughing for a long time and chest pain, or a lump on the abdomen or chest. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.

Asbestos is no longer used, but it's still found in a number of older buildings and household items. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases caused by other substances, there is a risk that people who have been exposed to silica or other forms of mineral can get the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to other illnesses, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral that is associated with mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. In some instances, other materials such as erionite (a type of zeolite) has also been linked to the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in a number of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages where up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by pleural mesothelioma.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and doctors worked together to find out the reason for this unusual lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust containing the substance. This was the case 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 cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid in the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.

Asbestos is known to be the only cause of mesothelioma. However, researchers have discovered that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals like silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral that occurs naturally, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. asbestos (please click the next page) can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos when it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and in the heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can 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, as are civilians exposed to asbestos while working. There are six kinds of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most commonly used. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble splinter and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases are caused by asbestos exposure at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable reason. The asbestos used in many products has exposed many people to the harmful material. Asbestos exposure is also a possibility when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes like fires, tornadoes and hurricanes destroy asbestos-containing structures.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can identify the disease at a point when it is treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos more effectively they are in a position to protect their patients.