Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics, and asbestos-like minerals such as silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 - 50 years to appear.

Asbestos

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

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

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a major reason. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma through causing cells to grow abnormally and causing cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma attorney. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be examined for the disease.

Anyone who is concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and make ends meet.

In an ideal world everyone would be able to be protected from asbestos exposure in the future. Many older buildings, particularly those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. Additionally anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the material isn't disturbed. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma can occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is caused primarily by asbestos exposure, but can be triggered by exposures to other minerals, such as Erionite and silica. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, but it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environments, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a variety of minerals that naturally occur and create long, thin fibers. They are strong and withstand heat. It was extensively employed throughout the 20th century in various commercial, industrial, and military applications. However, it was phased-out after scientists realized it was a danger to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, constant coughing, breathing difficulties or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified through tests, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after consulting their physician.

Asbestos has been eliminated however, it is still present in older homes and buildings. Although there aren't any documented mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances however, there is a chance that those who have been exposed to silica or other types of mineral could develop the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

Asbestos is by far the most popular mineral that is linked to mesothelioma. However, it's not the only one. In some cases other materials such as erionite (a kind of zeolite), have also been linked to the cancer. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma once it is introduced into the body and is breathed in or inhaled.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in several villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In certain villages where up to 50 percent of deaths were due to mesothelioma lawyer pleural.

A team of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and physicians, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by 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 triggered by erionite most likely resulted from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long period of time. This happened in rural areas where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, triggers symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) as well as pain in the chest (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite, and weight increase. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain and chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite, as well as weight loss.

asbestos attorney is the only known mesothelioma-causing agent. However, researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed to different types of minerals, such as silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who perform lung transplants, as well as experts in many other areas. Together, they'll develop a plan of treatment that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and may be inhaled or ingested by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers penetrate mesothelium, which protects the lungs and heart. Over time, the fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur occupationally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for people who have been in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six forms of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most commonly used. Each type contains different fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in a variety of ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take years to develop. The first signs typically include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Between 75% and 80% mesothelioma is related to exposure to asbestos. The majority of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos is used in a variety of products, exposing numerous people to the harmful material. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or restoring older homes. This is especially the case when environmental disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes or fires destroy structures with asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can 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 causes and risk factors the better they are able to ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.