Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include the treatment of cancer with radiation genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos such as Erionite and Silica.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before damage to cell DNA causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 - 50 years to begin to appear.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were previously used extensively in construction. The majority of people who are exposed develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Certain people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances such as silica and erionite.
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breathing, and a buildup of fluid on the lungs.
mesothelioma attorney also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma and esophageal mesothelioma.
Scientists aren't able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma, but they do know that asbestos is one of the major factors. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma through making cells grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that can increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice alarming symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.
Anyone who is worried about the possibility of
mesothelioma lawsuits need to know that they can speak with
mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make the ends meet.
In a perfect world, everyone could avoid asbestos exposure in the near future. However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1999. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed, anyone who suspects they have asbestos in their home must have it inspected only by a certified asbestos inspection. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma could still be a problem even with the right precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is triggered by exposure to asbestos, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals, such as Erionite or silica. The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops years after exposure to asbestos and many patients are in their 50s and 60s.
The majority of those who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work, and most of them were exposed to high levels for a long period. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers that are very strong and resistant to heat. It was extensively utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was removed when scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut, asbestos creates dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers may get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.
The signs of mesothelioma generally are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease difficult to identify. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified 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 homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma that have been connected to other substances. However those who have been exposed silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to speak with your doctor.
Erionite
While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause but it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. Other substances, such as erionite a type of zeolite, have been linked to the cancer in some instances. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or ingested.
In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a variety of villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In some villages where up to 50% of deaths were caused by
mesothelioma lawyer of the pleural region.
A team of geologists and environmental scientists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They found that some families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma that resulted from Erionite was most likely caused by long-term, frequent inhalation of the gravel dust containing the substance. This occurred 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 illnesses.
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, triggers symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) as well as pain in the chest (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss.
Asbestos has been proven to be the only mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have found that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals like silica or erionite may develop
Mesothelioma Attorney as well. If you've been diagnosed with 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 team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they'll develop an appropriate treatment plan that's best for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos is a natural mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it is released into the air and can be breathed in or consumed by people near it. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium in the lungs, stomach and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur occupationally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who transport or handle asbestos are at particular risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos on the job. There are six types of asbestos. The most commonly used are amphibole or chrysotile.