Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line the lungs, chest wall, abdomen and other organs. People who contract this disease typically worked in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is one of the minerals that make strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used to create construction and automotive products because it is impervious to heat, fire and water.

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was extensively used to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. The people who worked with asbestos, whether they mined it or worked with it in factories are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large amounts of microscopic asbestos fibers for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma symptoms generally don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos. This is why the majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers are released into the air and can be breathed in or swallowed. These fibers may be transported to the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer, called the mesothelium, can develop cancerous tumors of mesothelioma. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lungs. Other mesothelioma forms are peritoneal and pericardial. These form in the abdomen.

Mesothelioma can also develop in other areas of the body, if asbestos is inhaled or consumed less frequently. It may occur in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the abdominal cavity's lining (pericardial mesothelioma). It is difficult to determine if mesothelioma was caused by occupational exposure or a different cause.

Some people with mesothelioma have been diagnosed with the disease due to contact with asbestos from the outside. This is often called take-home exposure. It happens when asbestos is brought home on workers' clothing or other equipment. In these situations families are often required to wash and clean the workers' clothes, which leads to a greater exposure than would otherwise be expected. Certain studies have revealed that the use of a similar asbestos called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma for those living near erionite deposits.

Other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium, which can cause mesothelioma. However they do not make up a large percentage of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the mesothelioma danger. Genetics, radiation therapy history to the chest, and secondhand exposure are all factors that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. A family history of the disease can also increase the risk of an individual. However, asbestos settlement remains the main cause of mesothelioma.

Workers who are directly exposed to asbestos have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This is particularly applicable to those working in construction, manufacturing shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and other related industries. People who work with asbestos often inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or alter the material. The asbestos fibers can end up in the linings of the lungs, stomach and heart. The asbestos may remain in the body for a long period of time, causing malignant mesothelioma tumors to develop.

Inhaling or swallowing these contaminated fibers can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and other types of the disease. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years before they appear. To diagnose mesothelioma the doctor must first rule out any other medical conditions that could be causing symptoms.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent form of this cancer. It is believed that the risk of mesothelioma in this form decreases after a person's asbestos exposure has ended. However, the risk for mesothelioma peritoneal continues to rise even after exposure to asbestos has ended.

Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring metamorphic fibrous minerals. It is highly robust and resistant to fire and heat making it a preferred choice for industrial, military and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was extensively employed from the time of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was most commonly found in ships, buildings as well as in automobile parts and insulation.

Workers who used to handle or inhale asbestos were the main group who developed mesothelioma. However, there are some who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but have no occupational history of exposure to asbestos. They were exposed to asbestos through other methods. For example, many women who had husbands who worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing and skin. People who received the polio vaccine during the 1950s and 1960s have been found to be at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma too because of the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the primary mesothelioma trigger, there are several other factors that can also be involved. This could be due to the person's gender, age, or genetics. People who have a genetic predisposition or other health problems are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those who don't.

The exposure to asbestos lawyer in the workplace accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Workers with long-term, consistent exposure to asbestos, like shipyard or miners workers, are at highest risk. However, many of those with mesothelioma did not work directly with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when someone lives with someone who worked with asbestos and breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is common for spouses of workers who worked with asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may be seen over time, and will vary depending on the type a person has. Everyone should be aware of the risks they face and speak to your doctor if they notice any symptoms that are unusual or alarming.

Asbestos exposure can cause three kinds of mesothelioma: Pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affect in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma occurs around the heart. The majority of mesothelioma develops in the lung. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can also develop in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that different substances can cause mesothelioma too. This includes erionite, which is a mineral similar to asbestos, and radiation therapy. In addition, a virus known as SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder could cause mesothelioma.

The study of the causes of mesothelioma may help doctors identify the cause more precisely and speedily. This allows patients with mesothelioma to receive treatment earlier and improve their outcomes. It is also crucial to know the mesothelioma risks of other factors so that we can prevent more mesothelioma cases in the future. The use of talcum could result in more women developing peritoneal cancer. By educating people about mesothelioma, we can reduce the number of people diagnosed with the disease. This is particularly important because mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek out a specialist. Early treatment is the best prognosis. While asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma cause, research continues to uncover other risk factors like talcum powder and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them will prevent more mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals which were used extensively throughout the 20th century for various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its durability and fire-resistant properties has made it a popular choice for manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by researchers, leading to its elimination. People who were exposed to asbestos litigation in the workplace are at risk for mesothelioma. These people include miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers and auto makers, ship builders and others who worked with or wore clothes which was contaminated by asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura) which is where they get irritated and eventually develop tumors. Symptoms typically take years to appear, but by the time they show mesothelioma has already advanced. It can be a sign of chest pain, heaviness or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is also a sign.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. These are caused by asbestos exposure, however many researchers believe that the genes of a person can also play a role. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1, located on the short arm of chromosome 3, that causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene after studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. families with Swiss descent. The gene mutation was found in every member of the family with mesothelioma.

Genetics is only one aspect of the equation for mesothelioma however, it's an essential one. A small proportion of people who have suffered from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests that the person's genes are also at play. The genes that suppress tumors appear to be altered in the majority mesothelioma patients. As research progresses these genes will be studied and better understood to help stop mesothelioma from developing. It is also likely that those who have a genetic predisposition require greater caution about asbestos exposure and will require regular screening for mesothelioma-related symptoms.