Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for cancer, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos, such as Erionite and silica.

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

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group of microscopic fibers often used in construction. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). However, a few people have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like silica, erionite, and zeolites.

The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists do not know exactly the causes of mesothelioma, however 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 may also cause genetic mutations that can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.

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

Anyone who is concerned about their risk of mesothelioma need to know that they can consult mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make enough money to live.

In a perfect world everyone could stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, especially ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you have asbestos lawsuit-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 inspector certified to ensure that the material isn't disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a disease that affects the nimble tissue layer that covers many internal organs. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos, but can be triggered by exposures to other minerals such as silica or Erionite. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), but it can be found in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the testicles and the heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at work and the majority were exposed to large quantities for a long period. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that make up long, thin fibers that are very strong and resistant to heat. It was widely utilized throughout the 20th Century in a variety of industrial, commercial and military applications. However it was removed when scientists realized that it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that contains tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it's extracted or cut. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump in the abdomen or chest. mesothelioma Attorney can only be diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following consulting their physician.

Asbestos is not used anymore however it is still present in a variety of older structures and household objects. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases caused by other substances, there is a risk that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of mineral can get the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral associated with mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. In certain instances other substances like erionite (a kind of zeolite), have also been associated with the disease. Erionite, just like asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or eaten.

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 where up to 50 percent of deaths were caused by mesothelioma pleural.

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

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

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid in the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it is often fatal when it reaches an advanced stage.

Asbestos is the only proven mesothelioma-causing agent. 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 have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. They'll collaborate to design a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs, and the heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen in a non-work environment and also at work. Asbestos poses a serious health risk to those who have been in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six types of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most prevalent. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers, which resemble a split and be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first symptoms typically involve abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the linings of the intestines.

Around 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. The majority of patients were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been utilized in a variety of products, exposing many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is especially true following environmental disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires destroy asbestos-containing structures.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should make an appointment to see their doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma causes and risk factors, the better they can protect people from exposure to asbestos.