Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers that are swallowed or inhaled can cause irritation to healthy tissue for years before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 - 50 years for symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a group 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). Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials like erionite and silica.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, breathlessness and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists do not know exactly the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma by making cells grow abnormally and causing cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations, which could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. To get the best mesothelioma treatment patients should consult a doctor as soon they notice any alarming symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Anyone who is worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can contact a mesothelioma lawyer (visit the following page) to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help patients with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make ends meet.

In an ideal world, everyone would be able to be protected from asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos is still found in many older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1999. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations including wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos at home should have it inspected only by an accredited asbestos inspection. This can lower the chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could still occur even if you take the appropriate 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 usually caused by exposure to asbestos but it could also be the result of exposure to other minerals such as silica or erionite. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural, but it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually appears years after asbestos exposure and many patients are in their 50s or 60s.

Most people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their work environments, and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is a group of naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are extremely strong and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century for a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was eliminated after scientists realized that it was hazardous to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. 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 very difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are directed to a specialist following visiting their doctor.

Asbestos is being phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. While there are no known mesothelioma cases caused by other substances but there is a possibility that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very similar to those of other illnesses and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of the above seek out your doctor immediately.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to mesothelioma in a few instances. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey that contain erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural could be responsible for up to 50% of deaths in a few households.

A group of geologists and environmental scientists along with mesothelioma specialists, surgeons, and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, heavy inhalation of the gravel dust containing the substance. This was the case in rural areas, where road construction and mining were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain and chest pain, as well as fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite and weight loss.

Asbestos is the sole known mesothelioma-causing agent. However, researchers have discovered that those who have been exposed to different types of minerals such as silica and erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other types of asbestos, get medical help as soon as you can. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma lawsuit surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a number of other fields. They'll collaborate to design the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is made of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the stomach, lungs, and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both in a non-work environment and also at work. Military personnel who transport or handle asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to it at work. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are amphibole or chrysotile. Each type of asbestos has different fibers that look like pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in different ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first signs typically include abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it most commonly affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma lawyers) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to 80% of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. Most of the cases are caused by asbestos exposure at work, but some cases have no identifiable cause. The asbestos that is used in many different products has exposed many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos exposure can also occur when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially true after environmental catastrophes like fires, tornadoes and hurricanes destroy asbestos-containing structures.

If you suspect mesothelioma make an immediate appointment with your physician. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma, because doctors can detect the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.