Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to manifest.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos law, a class of microscopic fibers previously used extensively in the construction industry. The majority of people exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, a few people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos law is among the major causes. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma, treatment can extend a person's life and improve their quality of life. In order to get the best mesothelioma treatment patients should consult an expert as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

If you are concerned about your risk of developing mesothelioma, talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to find out more about the possibilities of compensation. Compensation can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for treatments and help them make ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos law is still found in a variety of older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material, it is important to follow safety regulations. For instance, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos at home should have it examined only by an accredited asbestos inspection. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still occur even with proper precautions.

Silica

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

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work environment 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 withstand heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was eliminated when scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it is extracted or cut. The fibers can get stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not always apparent until years after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified through tests, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following visiting their doctor.

Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. 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 mineral can get the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause but it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to the disease in certain cases. Similar to asbestos law, erionite could cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or inhaled.

In the 1970s a high mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey which contain erionite. In some villages up to 50% of deaths were due to mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked to find out the reason for this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma caused by Erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long period of time. This was the case in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

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

Asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you have mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. Together, they'll create a plan of treatment that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and can be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and outside of it. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for those who have served in the military or transported asbestos case. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble fragment and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases were caused due to asbestos legal (Going at Ezen I) exposure at work, however some cases have no identifiable cause. This is due to the fact that asbestos is used in so many different products, exposing a lot of people to the harmful material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true after environmental disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires destroy asbestos-containing structures.

If you suspect mesothelioma make an immediate appointment with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can detect the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure more effectively they are able to protect people.