Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for cancer genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos like Erionite and Silica.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before mesothelioma tumors develop. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years to be noticed.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were often used in the construction industry. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). Certain people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like erionite and silica.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, breathlessness and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists don't know the causes of mesothelioma, however they are certain that asbestos is a key cause. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to grow abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that can increase someone's risk of developing the disease.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they notice worrying symptoms. They should inform their doctor about previous exposure to asbestos so they can be tested for mesothelioma.

If you're concerned about your risk of developing mesothelioma, you can talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about options for compensation available. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. But asbestos is still found in a variety of older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing items should adhere to safety rules such as wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not 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 or other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma can still occur even with proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos but it can be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most frequent mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma usually appears years after exposure to asbestos, with many patients in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed asbestos while at work and many were exposed to large quantities for a long time. asbestos legal is a class of naturally found minerals that form long, thin fibers that are extremely strong and withstand heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a range of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was removed after scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut, asbestos creates dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. The fibers can get stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an abdominal lump or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.

Asbestos is not used anymore however, it's still present in many older homes and household items. There are no mesothelioma cases that has been associated with other substances. However those who have been exposed silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very similar to other diseases, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause however, it's not the sole mineral that is linked to cancer. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to the disease in certain cases. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is breathed in or ingested.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages, up to 50% of deaths were due to mesothelioma pleural.

A team of environmental scientists, geologists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and doctors worked together to find out the reason for this unusual lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by Erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes and exposure to other asbestos-related substances could also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long period of time. This was the case in rural areas where mining and road construction occurred. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea) chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and is usually fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to other types of minerals, such as silica or Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Get medical attention as soon as you can if you've got mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos of different types. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The team of health professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. Together, they'll develop an appropriate treatment plan that's best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring 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 mesothelium that protects the lungs, stomach and the heart. As time passes, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. asbestos settlement exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Personnel in the military who transport or handle asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos at work. There are six types of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most common. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers that resemble fragment and can enter the body in different ways.

asbestos lawyer-related diseases can take many years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include abdominal or respiratory problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Between 75% and mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma without an identifiable source. This is due to the fact that asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos can also be exposed when renovating or restoring old houses. This is particularly true when environmental disasters like fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can identify the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more knowledge doctors have about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma more effectively they are able to protect people.