Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

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

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were often used in construction. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is among the major causes. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma through making cells grow abnormally and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that may increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma treatment, it can help prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be diagnosed with the disease.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should know that they can consult a mesothelioma attorneys lawyer (Securityholes.Science) to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

In the ideal world everyone would be able avoid asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, specifically those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. If you have asbestos-containing material, it is important to follow safety regulations. For example, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should have it examined by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the material isn't disturbed. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to remember that mesothelioma can still happen even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos, however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most frequent form of mesothelioma lawyer affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also occur in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the heart and testicles (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually develops years after asbestos exposure, with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos while at work, and most of them were exposed to large quantities for a long period. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that create long, thin fibers that are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a range of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it's extracted or cut. The fibers can get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma generally don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease extremely difficult to identify. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump that appears in the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their GP.

Asbestos is being phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been linked to other substances. However, those who have been exposed to silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause, it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other minerals, like erionite a type of zeolite, have also been linked to the cancer in some instances. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. 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 together to determine the cause of this unique lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain (pleural effusion) loss of appetite and weight gain. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal when it reaches a severe stage.

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have had heavy exposure to other types of asbestos, seek medical help immediately. You can receive expert mesothelioma treatment at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who can perform lung transplants, as well as experts in a number of other areas. They'll collaborate to design the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by those who are near it. The asbestos fibers enter mesothelium, which protects the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who handled or transported asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to it at work. There are six types of asbestos. The most common are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type contains different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first symptoms typically involve respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it is most often affecting the lung (pleural mesothelioma lawyer), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma lawyer). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases were caused by asbestos exposure at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable reason. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or refurbishing older homes. This is especially true after environmental catastrophes 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 greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can identify the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors, the better they can ensure that people are safe from asbestos exposure.