Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for a long time before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were previously used extensively in construction. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other materials such as silica, erionite, and zeolites.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a major cause. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice any troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.

People who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma should know that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma attorneys patients as well as their families pay for treatments and help them make ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. Many older buildings, especially ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you are dealing with asbestos-containing materials, it is important to comply with safety rules. For example, wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it checked by an asbestos expert certified to ensure the material is not damaged. This can lower 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, a rare form of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also affect the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the heart and testicles (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually appears years after asbestos exposure, with many patients in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that make up long thin fibers, which are very strong and withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, but it was phased out after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that contains tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it is cut or mined. These fibers can become stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not usually visible until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump on the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by a test, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following seeing their GP.

Asbestos is being phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma that have been connected to other substances. However those who have been exposed silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause, it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. In some instances other substances like erionite (a form of zeolite), have also been linked to the cancer. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

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

A team of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and physicians, worked to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They found that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma lawsuit caused by Erionite was likely to be caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. This was the case in rural areas where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion) loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it can be fatal once it develops to an advanced stage.

Asbestos has been proven to be the only mesothelioma-causing factor. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to other types of minerals, such as silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, get medical help immediately. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. They'll collaborate to design an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by people who are around it. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the protective mesothelium of the stomach, lungs, and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to asbestos on the job. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most common are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type contains various fibers that look like fragments and can enter the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first signs typically include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. mesothelioma lawsuit can also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.

Around 75% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are caused by asbestos exposure. The majority of patients had on-the-job asbestos exposure, but some people have developed mesothelioma that has no identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially true when environmental disasters like fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma lawyers because doctors can detect the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors the better they are able to ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.