Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that lines the lungs and other organs can develop mesothelioma. Patients who develop this cancer usually had jobs that exposed them to asbestos.

Asbestos is one of the minerals that make strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used to make automotive and construction products because it is impervious to heat, fire and water.

Workplace Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled asbestos, whether they mined it or handled it in factories are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large amounts of microscopic asbestos fibers for long durations of time. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't show until decades after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the majority of mesothelioma cases are attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers can be transported to the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer is called the mesothelium, and it is prone to developing cancerous mesothelioma tumors. The most popular type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma pleural that develops around the lungs. Other mesothelioma types include mesothelioma that develops in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma that develops around the heart.

Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body when asbestos is inhaled or ingested in smaller quantities. It can also develop in the testicular linings as well as the abdominal cavity. It's difficult to determine if the mesothelioma resulted from exposure to occupational radiation, or another cause.

Some people with mesothelioma have developed the disease through contact with asbestos from the outside. It is sometimes called take-home exposure, and occurs when asbestos is ingested on clothing worn by workers or other equipment. In these instances workers' clothes are frequently cleaned and washed by their families, resulting in a higher exposure than was expected. Certain studies have shown that the use of a similar asbestos known as erionite increases the risk of mesothelioma in those who live near erionite deposits.

Radiation and chemotherapy are also medical treatments that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. These treatments can damage the mesothelium and lead to mesothelioma, however they don't account for a significant proportion of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the mesothelioma danger. Genetics, history of radiation therapy to the chest, and secondhand exposure are all factors that could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. A family history of mesothelioma can also increase a person's chance of contracting the disease. However, asbestos remains the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Workers who are directly exposed to asbestos litigation are at risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for those working in manufacturing, construction shipbuilding, asbestos mining and other related industries. People who work with asbestos often breathe in tiny asbestos fibers when they tear or damage the substance. The asbestos fibers can end up within the lining of the stomach, lungs and heart. The asbestos could remain in the body for a long time and cause malignant mesothelioma tumors to develop.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers can result in peritoneal, pleural or other mesothelioma types. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to show. To diagnose mesothelioma the doctor must first rule out any other conditions that may be causing symptoms.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form of cancer. It is believed that the risk for this form of mesothelioma diminishes after a person's asbestos exposure has ended. However, the risk of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region continues to increase even after exposure to asbestos (you could try this out) has ended.

Asbestos is one of naturally occurring metamorphic minerals that are fibrous. It is highly robust and resistant to heat and fire which makes it a popular choice for industrial, military and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily used from the end of World War II through to the mid 1970s. It was commonly used in buildings, ships, automobile parts and insulation.

Workers who used to handle or inhale asbestos were the most likely group to have diagnosed mesothelioma. However, some people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but have no previous occupational exposure to asbestos. These individuals were exposed to asbestos by other means. For example, many wives of husbands who employed asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes and skin. Those who received the polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma too because of the contamination of the polio vaccine with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma however, there are other factors that could play a role. This may include the person's gender, age, or genetics. People with a genetic predisposition or other health problems are at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma than those who are not.

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. People who have a long-term, continuous exposure to asbestos, like shipyard or miners workers, are at the highest risk. However, a lot of people who have mesothelioma didn't directly work with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when people live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and breathe in asbestos settlement fibers. This kind of exposure is common among spouses of workers who handled asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may develop over time, and may differ depending on the type a person has. Everyone should be aware of the risks they face and speak to your doctor if they notice any symptoms that are unusual or alarming.

Asbestos exposure can trigger three kinds of mesothelioma: Pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma affects organs in the abdomen, and mesothelioma pericardial is found around the heart. The most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma type is pleural and typically occurs in the lungs. However, peritoneal and pericardial cancers can also develop in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances could cause mesothelioma as well. These include erionite which is a mineral similar to asbestos, and radiation therapy. A virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder could also trigger mesothelioma.

The research into the causes of mesothelioma could aid doctors in diagnosing the cause more accurately and quickly. This allows mesothelioma sufferers to receive treatment earlier and improve their outcomes. It is also essential to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so we can help prevent more mesothelioma cases in the near future. The use of talcum can increase the risk of women developing peritoneal cancer. We can reduce the number diagnosed with cancer by educating the public about mesothelioma. This is particularly important as mesothelioma symptoms are typically delayed for as long as 50 years.

Genetics

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you must consult a physician. Early treatment offers the best chance for a positive outcome. While asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma cause however, research continues to identify other risk factors, such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing and avoiding these risk factors will help to prevent the occurrence of more cases mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals which were used extensively throughout the 20th century for various commercial, industrial and military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature made it popular among manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos were discovered and documented by researchers, leading to its phase out. The people who were exposed to asbestos at work are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. These people include miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and railroad workers, installers auto makers, ship builders and others who handled or wore clothing which was contaminated by asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura) which is where they get inflamed and then develop into tumors. The signs of mesothelioma could take a long time to manifest, but they are usually advanced by the time that they show up. Symptoms can include chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can be a sign.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. These are due to asbestos exposure, but many researchers believe that a person's genes can also play a role. Researchers have discovered a gene referred to as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome three that causes mesothelioma after studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. families with Swiss ancestry. The gene mutation was found in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.

Genetics is just one part of the mesothelioma puzzle however it's a crucial one. A small proportion of those who suffer from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, which suggests that a person's genes are also in play. Most mesothelioma patients have mutated tumor suppressing genes. As research progresses these genes will be examined and better understood to help prevent mesothelioma. It is also likely that those with a genetic predisposition will have to be more cautious about asbestos exposure and will need regular screening for mesothelioma signs.