Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma-related tumors. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma lawsuit-related cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in the construction industry. Most people who are exposed develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, a few people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest discomfort, breathlessness and an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma. These include peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma attorneys.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a major factor. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma, treatment can prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. In order to receive the best mesothelioma treatments, patients should see an expert as soon as they notice any alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be examined for the disease.

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

In a perfect world everyone could be protected from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, particularly those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials it is crucial to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally, those who suspect 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 reduce the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. However it is crucial to remember that mesothelioma can occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

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

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their work environments, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a collection of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are strong and resistant to heat. It was widely utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial, and military applications. However it was removed after scientists realized that it could be harmful to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease very difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing and coughing incessantly and chest pain, or a lump in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed with tests, and most patients are referred to a specialist after consulting their physician.

Asbestos is no longer in use however, it's still present in a variety of older homes and household objects. There aren't any cases of mesothelioma that have been associated with other substances. However people who have been exposed silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is by far the most popular mineral that is associated with mesothelioma. But it's far from the only one. In some instances other substances, such as erionite (a kind of zeolite), have also been linked to the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural could be responsible for up to 50% of deaths in some households.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked together to determine the cause of this unique lung cancer. They discovered that certain families in the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long time. This happened in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite and weight loss.

Asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. However, researchers have found that those who have been exposed to different types of minerals such as silica and erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, seek medical help as soon as possible. You can get expert mesothelioma treatment at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who perform lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other fields. Together, they'll create an appropriate treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers enter the protective mesothelium in the lungs and the heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors as time passes. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and out of it. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for those who have worked in the military or carried asbestos. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most common are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has different types of fibers that resemble fragment and can enter the body in different ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first symptoms are usually abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma) or the heart. Mesothelioma could also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to exposure to asbestos. Most of the cases are caused by asbestos exposure at work, however some cases do not have an identifiable cause. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes destroy structures with asbestos.

Patients who suspect mesothelioma need to make an appointment to see their doctor as soon as they can. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can spot the disease at the time it is the most treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors, the better they can protect people from exposure to asbestos.