Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
The tissue that lines the lungs and other organs may develop mesothelioma. People who get this cancer usually had jobs where they were exposed to
asbestos.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that make strong microscopic fibers. It was used to create construction and automotive products as it is invulnerable to heat, fire and water.
Occupational Exposure
asbestos case is a natural mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties before it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled asbestos whether they mined it or handled it in factories are at risk of mesothelioma. Those who have the highest risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for prolonged durations of time. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't show until decades after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced to occupational asbestos exposure.
When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers can reach the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer, dubbed the mesothelium can grow into cancerous tumors of mesothelioma. The most popular mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural that develops around the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal and pericardial. They develop in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma can also occur in other parts of the body when asbestos is ingested or inhaled in smaller quantities. It can form in the testicles' linings and the abdominal cavity. It's difficult to determine whether the mesothelioma resulted from occupational exposure, or another cause.
Some people with mesothelioma have been diagnosed with the disease due to contact with asbestos from the outside. It is sometimes known as take-home exposure. It happens when asbestos is found on workers' clothing or other equipment. In these instances, families often clean and wash the workers' clothes and equipment, which results in higher risk of exposure than could be expected. Some studies have found that the use of a similar asbestos called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma in those who live near deposits of erionite.
Radiation and chemotherapy are also medical treatments that may increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. These treatments can damage the mesothelium and lead to mesothelioma, however they don't account for a significant number of cases.
Secondhand Exposure
A number of other factors can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, history of radiation therapy to the chest area and exposure through secondhand sources. A family history of mesothelioma can also increase a person's risk of contracting the disease. However, asbestos remains the primary mesothelioma cause.
People who work directly with asbestos are at chance of developing mesothelioma. This is especially applicable to those working in manufacturing, construction, 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 within the lining of the stomach, lungs and heart. The asbestos could remain in the body for a prolonged period and cause malignant mesothelioma tumors to develop.
Inhaling or swallowing these contaminated fibers can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and other forms of the disease. The symptoms can manifest anywhere between 30 and 50 years after exposure. To determine if mesothelioma is a disease, the doctor must first rule out any other conditions that may be causing symptoms.
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent type of cancer. It is believed that the risk for this form of mesothelioma diminishes 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 one of naturally occurring metamorphic fibrous minerals. It is highly durable and resistant to heat and fire, making it a popular choice for industrial, military and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily utilized from the close of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was commonly used in buildings, ships automobile parts, and insulation.
Workers who handled or inhale asbestos were the most likely group to have diagnosed mesothelioma. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who have no previous occupational exposure to asbestos. These individuals were exposed to asbestos by other methods. For instance, many women with husbands who worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers that landed on their clothing and skin. The people who were vaccinated against polio during the 1950s and 1960s have been found to be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma due to the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
While asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma however, there are other factors that may contribute to the development of. This could include gender, age or genetics. People who have a genetic predisposition or other health issues are more at risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who do not.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is responsible for most mesothelioma cases. Workers with long-term, consistent exposure to asbestos, such as miners or shipyard workers, are at most risk. However, many people with mesothelioma didn't directly work with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when someone lives with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is most common for spouses of workers who handled asbestos.
The signs of mesothelioma be seen over time, and will vary depending on the kind of mesothelioma a person has. Everyone should be aware of the risks they face and consult their doctor if any symptoms are alarming or unusual.
Asbestos exposure can cause three kinds of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. The lung is affected by mesothelioma pleural, and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal and pericardial. The majority of mesothelioma develops in the lungs. However, peritoneal mesothelioma could be found in the abdominal cavity. mesothelioma that is pericardial develops in the lining around the heart.
Researchers have discovered that different substances could cause mesothelioma too. This includes erionite, which is a mineral similar to asbestos, and radiation therapy. Additionally, a virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder could cause mesothelioma.
Research into the causes of mesothelioma help doctors make diagnoses faster and precisely. This allows mesothelioma sufferers to receive treatment earlier and improve their outcome. It is also vital to understand other mesothelioma risk factors so we can help prevent more mesothelioma cases in the future. For instance the use of talcum powder may lead to more women developing peritoneal mesothelioma. By educating people about mesothelioma we can cut down the number of people who are diagnosed with cancer. This is important since mesothelioma is a cancer that can cause symptoms that may be delayed by up to 50 years.
Genetics
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must consult a doctor. Early treatment is the best chance of survival. While asbestos exposure is the primary mesothelioma cause however, research continues to uncover other risk factors such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing the risks and avoiding them will help prevent the development of more mesothelioma cases.