Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and minerals similar to asbestos like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 to 50 years to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were once commonly used in construction. Most people who are exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances such as silica and erionite.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and the accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are several types of mesothelioma. These include mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal melanoma.

Scientists do not know exactly the causes of mesothelioma attorneys, however they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve quality of life. To receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment, patients should see a doctor as soon they notice any alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma.

People who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should know that they can consult mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and help make the ends meet.

In the ideal world everyone would be able stay away from asbestos exposure in the future. But asbestos can still be found in a lot of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material it is essential to follow safety regulations. For instance wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it examined by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the asbestos is not disturbed. This can lower the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to remember that mesothelioma lawsuits can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

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

Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and form long, thin fibers. They are durable and resistant to heat. It was widely employed throughout the 20th century in a variety of commercial, industrial, and military applications. However it was removed after scientists realized it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos, making the disease very difficult to diagnose. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been phased out, but is still found in older homes and buildings. There are no mesothelioma cases that has been linked to other substances. However, those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to those of other illnesses If you are experiencing any of the above seek out your doctor immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause but it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. In some cases, other materials like erionite (a form of zeolite), have also been associated with the disease. Erionite, as asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma incidence was noted in villages in Turkey which contain erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50 percent of deaths in certain households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and physicians, worked together to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by Erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related chemicals can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long period of time. This occurred in rural areas where mining and road construction occurred. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it is often fatal when it reaches the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been shown to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other forms of asbestos, get medical help immediately. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll collaborate to design a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be inhaled or ingested by those who are near it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs, and the heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos can be exposed both at work and outside of it. Asbestos poses a significant health risk to those who have served in the military or transported asbestos. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most common are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type has different fibers that look like fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take a long time to develop. The first signs are usually abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Between 75% and mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases were caused by asbestos exposure at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable reason. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing older homes. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma attorneys, make an immediate appointment with your doctor. Early treatment improves the outcomes of mesothelioma lawsuits, as doctors can identify the disease at the time it is most treatable. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma's causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect patients from exposure to asbestos.