Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos such as silica and erionite.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for a long time before mesothelioma tumors develop. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to appear.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers often used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). However, some have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials such as silica, erionite and zeolites.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, the esophageal and pericardial.
Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a key cause. Exposure to asbestos is believed to trigger mesothelioma, creating abnormal growth of cells and causing cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations, which can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice any worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.
People who are concerned about their risk of
mesothelioma lawsuits need to know that they can speak with a
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In a perfect world everyone would be able stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, particularly ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing items should follow proper safety regulations including wearing respirators and protective clothing. Additionally, those who suspect they have asbestos in their home should only have it inspected by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the material isn't disturbed. This will reduce the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still be a problem even with the right precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals like Erionite or silica. The most frequent mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma however it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s and 60s.
Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are durable and resistant against heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was eliminated after scientists realized it was dangerous to health. When it is cut or mined into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that are inhaled. The fibers can get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos, making the disease difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after seeing their GP.
Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma that has been linked to other substances. However those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very like those of other illnesses If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, see your doctor immediately.
Erionite
While asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma but it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. Other materials like erionite, one of the zeolite types, have been linked to the cancer in some instances. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is inhaled or ingested.
In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety 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 group of environmental scientists and geologists along with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and physicians, worked to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from 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, like smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances, can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The
mesothelioma lawyers caused by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust that contained the material. This was the case in rural areas in which road construction and mining were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.
mesothelioma lawsuit is a rare type of cancer that causes symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it can be fatal once it develops to an advanced stage.
Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-causing agent. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical help as soon as you can. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll come up with the treatment plan that's best for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by people who are around it. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs, stomach and heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen in a non-work environment and also at work. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for those who have worked in the military or transported asbestos. There are six types of asbestos. The most common are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type has different types of fibers that resemble splinter and can be absorbed into the body in various ways.
Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.
Between 75% and mesothelioma can be traced to exposure to asbestos. The majority of patients had exposure to asbestos while working, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in so many products has exposed so many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires destroy structures with asbestos.
Those with suspected mesothelioma should schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can help 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 attorneys and asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they will be able to protect people.