Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect 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 such as silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for decades before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres that was once widely employed in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

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

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

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice any alarming symptoms. They should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Anyone who is worried about the possibility of mesothelioma need to know that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, especially those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material it is essential to comply with safety rules. For instance wearing protective clothing and using breathing apparatus. Additionally those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos legal-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could still occur despite taking the necessary precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos, but can be triggered by exposure to other minerals such as silica or Erionite. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural, but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops 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 the majority were exposed to high levels for a long period. Asbestos is a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and create long thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was phased out when scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. When it is mined or cut, asbestos creates dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. It is characterized by 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 GP.

Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances but there is a possibility that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are like those of other diseases If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma however, it's not the sole mineral linked to the cancer. In some instances other materials such as erionite (a kind of zeolite) are also linked to the cancer. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma rate was recorded in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50% of deaths in certain households.

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

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

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid in the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal once it develops to an advanced stage.

Asbestos has been proven to be the primary cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that people who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in a variety of other areas. Together, they'll create a plan of treatment that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be inhaled by people who are near asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and in the heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors as time passes. Asbestos is a risk both in the workplace and outside of it. Military personnel who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk and so are civilians who are exposed to it while working. There are six kinds of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are most prevalent. Each type has different fibers that look like fragments and can enter the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include respiratory or abdominal 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 intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Between 75% and mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos compensation at work, but certain cases do not have a clear reason. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes like fires, tornadoes and hurricanes cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma make an immediate appointment with your doctor. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease when it is the most manageable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos settlement exposure more effectively they are capable of protecting people.