Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos Legal exposure is the sole known mesothelioma-related cause. It can affect the lung linings, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the 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 irritate healthy tissues for a long time before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 - 50 years for symptoms to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres that was once widely used in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to other substances like erionite and silica.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a key cause. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations that can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma treatment, it can extend a person's life and improve their quality of life. To receive the best mesothelioma treatments patients should consult an expert as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be diagnosed with the disease.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma need to know that they can speak with a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and help make ends meet.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, specifically ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing materials must adhere to safety rules including wearing respirators and protective clothing. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home must be inspected by an asbestos inspection certified by. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. However it is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may still be a problem even with the right 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 caused by asbestos exposure, but can be triggered by exposures to other minerals such as Erionite and silica. The most prevalent form of mesothelioma affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), but it can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the heart and testicles (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually develops years after exposure to asbestos, with many patients in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos at work and the majority were exposed to large quantities for a long period of time. Asbestos is a variety of minerals that naturally occur and produce long, thin fibers. They are extremely durable and resistant against heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, though it was phased out after scientists realized it was hazardous to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it's extracted or cut. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing and coughing incessantly, chest pain or a lump in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed by a test, 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. Although there aren't any known cases of mesothelioma caused 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. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most common mineral associated with mesothelioma. But it's not the only one. In some cases other materials like erionite (a type of zeolite) has also been associated with the cancer. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in villages in Turkey that contained Erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in some households.

A group of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and doctors, worked to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma that was caused by Erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, intense inhalation of gravel dust that contained the substance. It was prevalent in rural areas in which 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 is a rare cancer that causes symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it is often fatal when it reaches the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been proven to be the only cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other forms of asbestos, seek medical attention immediately. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in a variety of other fields. They'll collaborate to develop a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by people near it. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the protective mesothelium in the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who handle or transport asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to it while working. There are six types of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are most commonly used. Each type of asbestos has different fibers that look like pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it is most often seen in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

Around 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases can be related to asbestos exposure. The majority of patients had on-the-job asbestos exposure however, some have developed mesothelioma that has no identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many different products has exposed many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is particularly true after environmental disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, make an immediate appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma as doctors are able to identify the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more doctors know about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they will be in a position to protect their patients.