Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the lung linings, abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) and the heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron oxide.

asbestos attorney fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres that was often employed in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Most people who are exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like silica and erionite.

The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath, and fluid buildup on the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, pericardial and esophageal.

Scientists aren't sure 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 develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that could increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.

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

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma need to know that they can consult mesothelioma lawyers (www.Letts.org) to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

In a perfect world everyone would be able to avoid asbestos exposure in the near future. However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings, particularly those that were built before 1999. People who have possession of asbestos lawsuits-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations, like wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure the material isn't disturbed. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is crucial to remember that mesothelioma lawyer could occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

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

Most people who develop mesothelioma have 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 durable and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, though it was removed when scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. Asbestos is a dust that has tiny fibers. It is a hazard to breathe when it's extracted or cut. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, breathing difficulties or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are referred to a specialist after visiting their doctor.

Asbestos is being phased out but it is still present in older homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma lawsuits which have been associated with other substances. However, people who have been exposed silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your physician.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most commonly used mineral associated with mesothelioma. But it's not the only one. In some cases other materials such as erionite (a type of zeolite), have also been linked to the disease. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is breathed in or inhaled.

In the 1970s, an unusually high rate of mesothelioma developed in a variety of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In certain villages up to 50 percent of deaths were due to pleural mesothelioma.

A team of geologists and environmental scientists together with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and physicians, worked together to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that 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 a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, intense inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. It was prevalent in rural areas, where road construction and mining were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma, as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion), loss of appetite and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and is usually fatal once it has reached an advanced stage.

Asbestos has been shown to be the only cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that people who've been exposed to different types of minerals like silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with a plan of treatment that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and may be inhaled or ingested by people near it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the mesothelium that protects the lungs, stomach and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both in a non-work environment and also at work. People in the military who handle or transport asbestos are at particular risk as are civilians exposed to it at work. There are six types of asbestos. The most common are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type of asbestos has various fibers that look like fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the lung (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the linings of the intestines.

About 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. The majority of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in many different products has exposed many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes destroy structures with asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma arrange an appointment right away with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors are able to detect the disease at a point when it is treatable. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors, the better they can protect patients from asbestos exposure.