Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma lawsuit), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation therapy for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma tumors develop. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma-related cancer symptoms to show up.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres that was commonly employed in construction is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lining of the lungs (the pleura). However, some have developed mesothelioma lawsuit due to exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma also can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma such as peritoneal, mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a key cause. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong a person's life and improve their quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice any alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will enable them to be tested for the disease.

Anyone who is concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.

The ideal situation is that everyone avoids exposure to asbestos in the near future. Many older buildings, especially those constructed prior to 1999, still contain asbestos. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing items should adhere to safety rules including wearing respirators and protective clothing. In addition, those who suspect they have asbestos in their home should have it checked by an asbestos expert certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This can minimize the risks of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However it is important to remember that mesothelioma can still be a problem even with the right precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, affects the thin tissue layer that covers many internal organs. It is caused through asbestos exposure, however it can be triggered by exposures to other minerals such as silica or Erionite. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also affect the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the membrane that covers the testicles and heart (pericardial and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma lawsuit were exposed to asbestos in their work environment and the majority were exposed to high levels for a long period of time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that create long, thin fibers that are extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was phased out after scientists realized it was dangerous to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that are inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that leads to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are not always apparent until years after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to recognize. The symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can identify mesothelioma lawsuit and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their primary care physician.

Asbestos is being phased out, but is still found in older homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma which have 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 can be very similar to other diseases and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of the above consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

Asbestos is the most commonly used mineral that is associated with mesothelioma. However, it's far from the only one. In some cases other substances, such as erionite (a kind of zeolite) are also associated with the disease. Erionite, like asbestos can cause mesothelioma when it is inhaled or eaten.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey in which erionite-bearing rocks are found. In some villages, up to 50% of deaths were caused by mesothelioma pleural.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked to discover the cause of this unusual lung cancer. They discovered that certain families in the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, like smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos-related substances can also increase the risk of a person developing mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long time. This was the case in rural areas in which mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it develops to a severe stage.

Asbestos is the sole known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. If you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical attention as soon as you can. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The team of health care experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. They'll collaborate to design an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers enter the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. Over time, the fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos can be a source of exposure in the workplace and outside of it. Personnel in the military who transport or handle asbestos are especially at risk as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six types of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are most prevalent. Each type has different 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 signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often affecting the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75%-80 percent of mesothelioma lawsuit cases can be related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases are caused due to asbestos exposure at work, however some cases have no identifiable cause. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is especially relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires destroy structures with asbestos.

Patients who suspect mesothelioma need to schedule 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 time that it is treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma causes and risk factors the better they are able to ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.