Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma. It can cause damage to the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) 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 swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 - 50 years to be noticed.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers that were often used in construction. Most people who are exposed develop mesothelioma attorneys of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances like erionite and silica.

The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness in breathing, and a 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, pericardial and esophageal.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes mesothelioma, but they are certain that asbestos is a major cause. Scientists believe that asbestos exposure causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that could increase the risk of developing the disease.

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 troubling symptoms. They should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can be examined for mesothelioma.

Anyone who is worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should be aware that they can contact mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients and their families pay for treatment and pay for their expenses.

Ideally, everyone can avoid 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 materials should follow proper safety regulations such as wearing respirators and protective clothing. In addition, those who suspect they have asbestos in their home should have it checked by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure the material is not disturbed. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. However it is crucial to remember that mesothelioma could still occur even with proper precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos however, it could also be the result of exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural however it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s or 60s.

Most people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of industrial, military and commercial applications, though it was phased out when scientists realized that it was harmful to health. When it is cut or mined and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma lawsuit generally are not evident until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes the disease extremely difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can include breathing difficulties or coughing for a long time and chest pain, or a lump in the abdomen or chest. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are sent to specialists following a visit to their physician.

Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma that have been connected to other substances. However people who have been exposed silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very like those of other diseases If you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek out your doctor immediately.

Erionite

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

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In certain villages, up to 50% of deaths were caused by mesothelioma of the pleural region.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists and mesothelioma specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked together to discover the cause of this unique lung cancer. They found that some families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them susceptible to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related chemicals can increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by Erionite was most likely due to long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust containing the material. It was prevalent in rural areas where road construction and mining were taking place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked with mesothelioma lawsuit, as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea), pain in the chest (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, and weight growth. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it is often fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.

Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who've been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. Get medical attention as quickly as you can if you suffer from mesothelioma or were exposed to asbestos of different types. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health experts includes mesothelioma specialists lung transplant surgeons, as well as other experts. They'll collaborate to design an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who are in close proximity to asbestos if it gets disturbed. The asbestos fibers are able to penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and in the heart. The fibers can cause DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. People in the military who handled or transported asbestos are especially at risk as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six forms of asbestos, however amphibole and chrysotile are the most common. Each type contains different fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in different ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The earliest symptoms usually include respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it is most often affecting the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Between 75% and 80% mesothelioma is related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma with no identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed many people to the hazardous material. Asbestos exposure can also occur when homes that are old are renovated or renovated. This is especially true following environmental disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires destroy asbestos-containing structures.

Those with suspected mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor right away. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes, as doctors can identify the disease at the time it is most manageable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors, the better they can protect people from exposure to asbestos.