Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
The tissue that surrounds the lungs and other organs can develop mesothelioma. People who get this cancer usually had jobs that exposed them to asbestos.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that make strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used to create automobile and construction materials because it is impervious to heat, fire and water.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used for its fireproof properties prior to when it was banned. Workers who handled asbestos regardless of whether they mined it or worked with it in factories, are at risk of mesothelioma. The highest risk is for those who have been exposed to large amounts of microscopic fibers of asbestos over a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't show until decades after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the majority of mesothelioma cases are linked to exposure to asbestos in the workplace.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. The fibers can penetrate the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer is known as mesothelium. It can also develop cancerous mesothelioma tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural that develops around the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma are pericardial and
0270469 peritoneal. They develop in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body, if asbestos is ingested or inhaled in smaller quantities. It can be found in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the wall of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). It's not easy to determine if the mesothelioma was caused by exposure to occupational radiation, or some other cause.
Some individuals with mesothelioma have contracted the disease via contact with asbestos from the outside. This is sometimes known as take-home exposure, and occurs when asbestos is ingested on workers' clothing or equipment. In these instances families usually clean and wash the clothes of workers, which leads to a 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.
Other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can harm mesothelium, which can cause mesothelioma. However they don't account for a large number of cases.
Secondhand Exposure
Other factors can increase a person's chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetics, history of radiation therapy to the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation are all factors that can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. A family history of mesothelioma can also increase the risk of an individual. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a common occurrence among people who work with asbestos. This is especially true for those who are employed in the construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and asbestos mining industries. When they damage or disturb asbestos, those who work with it often breathe tiny asbestos fibers. These fibers can then settle in the lining of the lungs, the heart and stomach. The asbestos fibers can remain in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Inhaling or swallowing these harmful fibers can lead to mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot and other types of the disease. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years before they appear. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer doctors must first rule out other conditions that could be causing the patient's symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most commonly encountered form of this cancer. It is believed that the risk of mesothelioma in this form decreases after a person's asbestos exposure is over. However, the risk for peritoneal mesothelioma continues to rise even after exposure to asbestos has ended.
Asbestos is made up of metamorphic fibrous minerals that are naturally occurring. It is impervious to fire and heat and highly durable, making it a popular choice for industrial, commercial and military applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was widely used between the end of World War II and the mid-1970s. It was often found in ships, insulation buildings, and car components.
Workers who used to handle asbestos, or inhale it, were the most likely group to have developed mesothelioma. Certain mesothelioma patients were diagnosed despite having no occupational history of asbestos exposure. These people were exposed through other means. Women whose husbands worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers from their skin or clothing. The asbestos contamination of Polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s has been shown to increase the risk of mesothelioma developing for those who received it.
Environmental Exposure
While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma but there are a variety of other factors that can also contribute to the development of. This could be due to the person's gender, age, or genetics. People with a predisposition to mesothelioma, or other health problems are at greater risk than those who do not have.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. People who have a long-term, continuous exposure, such as shipyard workers or miners workers, are at most risk. However, many people with mesothelioma have not directly worked with asbestos. Second-hand exposure can occur when one lives with someone who has been exposed to asbestos and breathes asbestos-containing air. This kind of exposure is common among spouses of workers who worked with asbestos.
Mesothelioma-related symptoms usually occur over time and differ depending on the type of mesothelioma a patient has. It is essential for everyone to be aware of their risk and consult a physician if they are experiencing any unusual or alarming symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can lead to three types of mesothelioma namely pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. The lungs are affected by pleural mesothelioma, and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal and
0270469 pericardial. The most frequent mesothelioma is pleural, which usually develops in the lungs. However, peritoneal mesothelioma may form in the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma that is pericardial develops in the lining surrounding the heart.
Researchers have found that other substances can cause mesothelioma too. Radiation therapy and Erionite (a mineral that appears similar to asbestos) are among the compounds that can cause mesothelioma. A virus called SV40, and certain types talcum powder could also cause mesothelioma.
The research into the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors diagnose more accurately and speedily. Patients with mesothelioma can receive treatment earlier and improve their outcomes. It is also vital to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so we can help to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the future. For instance, the use of talcum powder may result in more women developing peritoneal mesothelioma. By educating people about mesothelioma we can cut down the number of people diagnosed with cancer. This is important since mesothelioma can have symptoms that can be delayed for up to 50 years.
Genetics
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you must consult a doctor. Early treatment gives patients the best prognosis. While asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma trigger, research continues to uncover other risk factors like talcum powder and SV40. Understanding these risks and avoiding them will stop mesothelioma cases from occurring.