Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos compensation-like minerals like silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma tumors develop. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 to 50 years to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres commonly used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness in breathing, and a buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are several types of mesothelioma. These include peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists do not know exactly the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos settlement is a major factor. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma by creating abnormal growth of cells and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of acquiring the disease.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so that they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Anyone who is concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma should know that they can contact mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make the ends meet.

In a perfect world everyone would be able avoid asbestos settlement exposure in the near future. However, asbestos is still present in a variety of older buildings, particularly those that were built before 1999. People who have possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations including wearing respirators and protective clothing. Additionally those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should have it examined by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the material is not disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a disease that affects the nimble tissue layer that surrounds many internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, but it could be caused by exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and form long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was removed after scientists realized it was dangerous to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. The fibers may get stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not always apparent until years after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties and coughing incessantly and chest pain, or a lump that appears in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma can only be identified with tests, and most patients are sent to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos has been eliminated but it is still present in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any documented cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances however, there is a chance that those who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is by far the most popular mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. But it's far from the only one. In some instances other substances like erionite (a kind of zeolite) has also been linked to the mesothelioma. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant rate of mesothelioma was observed in villages in Turkey which contain erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50% of deaths in certain households.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and doctors worked together to determine the cause of this unusual lung cancer. They found that some families in 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 and exposure to asbestos law-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from erionite was likely to be caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of gravel dust containing the substance. It was prevalent in rural areas, where mining and road construction were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) and pain in the chest (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal once it develops to an advanced stage.

Asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you've got mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in many other areas. They'll collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which occurs naturally, is made of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos law is disturbed, it becomes airborne and may be breathed in or consumed by people who are around it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs, and heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos exposure can happen in a non-work environment and also at work. People in the military who transport or handle asbestos are particularly at risk, as are civilians exposed to it at work. There are six types of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has various fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs are usually abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma), or heart. Mesothelioma Attorney may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75%-80% of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure However, some individuals have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can detect the disease at a point when it can be treated. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors, the better they can protect patients from exposure to asbestos.