Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma), and heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for years before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma tumors. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to show up.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres often used in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, a few people have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other substances like silica, erionite and zeolites.

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

Scientists aren't sure the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key factor. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma lawsuits because it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that may increase the risk of acquiring mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they notice troubling symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.

People who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should be aware that they can contact a mesothelioma lawyer 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, especially ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. People who have possession of asbestos-containing materials should follow proper safety regulations, like wearing respirators and protective clothing. Additionally those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should have it checked by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure the material isn't disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is crucial to remember that mesothelioma lawyer could still occur even with proper 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 mostly caused by exposure to asbestos however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma form affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but it can be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the heart and testicles (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s or 60s.

Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environments, and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that make up long thin fibers that are extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized that it was dangerous to health. Asbestos is a dust which contains tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it's mined or cut. These fibers can become stuck in the lung and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, making the disease difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, constant coughing, breathing difficulties or a lump on the chest or abdomen. The only tests that can confirm mesothelioma are those performed by a and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their GP.

Asbestos is not used anymore however, it's still present in a number of older buildings and household objects. There are no cases of mesothelioma which have been connected to other substances. However, those who have been exposed silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In certain instances other materials like erionite (a kind of zeolite) are also associated with the disease. Erionite, just like asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in the villages of Turkey which contain erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in some households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related chemicals can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. It was prevalent in rural areas, where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma lawyer and other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, can cause symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight increase. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it can be fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.

Asbestos is known to be the primary mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed to other kinds of minerals, such as silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other forms of asbestos, seek medical help as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma lawsuits specialists lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. Together, they'll come up with an appropriate treatment plan that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos if it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium of the lungs, stomach and the heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and out of it. Personnel in the military who handle or transport asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to it while working. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first signs are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. Mesothelioma could also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Around 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. The majority of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos at work, but some cases do not have an identifiable cause. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been used in so many different products, exposing many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is especially true after environmental catastrophes like fires, tornadoes and hurricanes destroy asbestos-containing structures.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can 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 exposure and asbestos and mesothelioma, the better they will be in a position to protect their patients.