Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma attorneys), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos such as silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for years before DNA damage causes mesothelioma tumours. It can take up to 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres often employed in construction, is the most common mesothelioma-related cause. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma lawsuits of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica and erionite.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest discomfort, breathlessness and a buildup of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma including peritoneal, mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists aren't sure the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key reason. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma by causing cells to grow abnormally and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that could increase the risk of developing the disease.

Although there aren't any cures for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong the lifespan of a person and improve their quality of life. To receive the most effective mesothelioma treatment patients should visit a doctor as soon as they experience any worrying symptoms. They should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

People who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma need to know that they can consult mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. But asbestos can still be found in many older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. If you have asbestos-containing material it is crucial to comply with safety rules. For example, wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home should be inspected by an accredited asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is triggered through asbestos exposure, however it can also be caused by exposure to other minerals, such as silica or Erionite. The most common mesothelioma attorney form affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it may also occur in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that surrounds the heart and testicles (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s and 60s.

Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work and many for a long time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that make up long, thin fibers that are very strong and withstand heat. It was extensively utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was eliminated after scientists realized it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust which contains tiny fibers. It can be breathed in when it is extracted or cut. These fibers can become stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to identify. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are referred to a specialist after visiting their doctor.

Asbestos is not used anymore, but it's still found in many older structures and household objects. While there are no known cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances however, there is a chance that those who have been exposed to silica or other forms of mineral can get the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are similar to other illnesses and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma-related cause, it's not the only mineral that has been linked to the cancer. In certain instances other materials like erionite (a kind of zeolite), have also been linked to the disease. Erionite, just like asbestos can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or eaten.

In the 1970s a high mesothelioma incidence was noted in the villages of Turkey that contain erionite. In certain villages up to 50 percent of deaths were due to mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists, mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to find out the reason for this unusual lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by Erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related substances can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that resulted from erionite was most likely due to long-term, heavy inhalation of the gravel dust containing the material. This happened in rural areas in which mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota, erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma attorneys and other respiratory diseases.

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

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other forms of asbestos. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who perform lung transplants, and experts in many other fields. Together, they'll come up with a plan of treatment that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral which naturally occurs, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos if it gets disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers pierce the protective mesothelium of the stomach, lungs and the heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Military personnel who handle or transport asbestos are especially at risk, as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six forms of asbestos, but amphibole and chrysotile are the most common. Each type contains various fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first symptoms are usually respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also affect the testicles as well as the lining of the intestines.

About 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases were caused due to asbestos exposure at work, but some cases have no identifiable reason. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are refurbished or renovated. This is especially the case when environmental disasters such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should schedule an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma because doctors can detect the disease at a time when it can be treated. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma exposure and asbestos, the better they are in a position to protect their patients.