Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos is the only cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and minerals similar to asbestos like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can cause irritation to healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma tumors develop. Mesothelioma symptoms generally take 20 - 50 years to begin to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres often used in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other substances, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most common mesothelioma signs include chest pain, shortness of breath and a buildup of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, pericardial and esophageal mesothelioma.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma however they do know that asbestos lawyer is one of the major factors. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma because it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also trigger genetic mutations that can increase the risk of acquiring the disease.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. Patients should consult a doctor immediately if they notice any alarming symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be examined for the disease.

Individuals who are concerned about their risk of mesothelioma should be aware that they can contact mesothelioma lawyers (read here) to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help those suffering from mesothelioma and their families pay for treatment and make enough money to live.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. However, asbestos is still present in a variety of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials must follow proper safety regulations such as wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos isn't disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos at home should have it examined only by a certified asbestos lawyers inspection. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma can still happen despite taking the necessary precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that covers most internal organs. It is triggered through asbestos exposure, however it can be triggered by exposure to other minerals such as silica or Erionite. The most common mesothelioma type is mesothelioma pleural but it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma typically develops after asbestos exposure with many patients in their 50s or 60s.

The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while at work, and most of them were exposed to large quantities for a long period of time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are extremely strong and resistant to heat. It was extensively utilized throughout the 20th Century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However, it was phased-out when scientists realized that it was a danger to health. Asbestos is a dust which has tiny fibers. It is a hazard to breathe when it's mined or cut. The fibers may get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can lead to mesothelioma.

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

Asbestos is not used anymore however, it's still present in a variety of older homes and household items. While there are no known cases of mesothelioma caused by other substances but there is a possibility that people who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of mineral could develop the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to speak with your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause however, it's not the sole mineral that is linked to cancer. In some instances other substances like erionite (a type of zeolite) are also linked to the mesothelioma. Erionite, like asbestos attorneys, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or eaten.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma rate was recorded in a variety of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in certain households.

A team of environmental scientists and geologists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons, and doctors, worked to find the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma that was caused by 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 a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma that was caused by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. It was prevalent in rural areas in which road construction and mining were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure has been associated with mesothelioma and various respiratory diseases.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain, fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a cancer that has no cure and it can be fatal once it has reached the stage of severe.

Asbestos has been proven to be the only cause of mesothelioma. Researchers have found that people who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you suffer from mesothelioma or have had heavy exposure to other types of asbestos, get medical help as soon as possible. You can receive expert mesothelioma treatment at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who perform lung transplants, and experts in a number of other fields. Together, they'll come up with an appropriate treatment plan that is best for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which naturally occurs, is composed of flexible and strong fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos if it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. The fibers cause DNA mutations and tumors over time. Asbestos is a risk both at work and outside of it. Military personnel who handle or transport asbestos are at particular risk and so are civilians who are exposed to asbestos while working. There are six forms of asbestos, however chrysotile and amphibole are the most common. Each type is made up of different kinds of fibers, which resemble a split and be absorbed into the body in various ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take a long time to develop. The first signs are usually abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal pericardial mesothelioma) or the heart. Mesothelioma may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75%-80 percent of mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases were caused by exposure to asbestos attorneys at work, however some cases have no identifiable reason. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring old homes. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma lawsuits should make an appointment to see their doctor immediately. Early treatment improves the outcomes of mesothelioma because doctors can spot the disease when it is the most manageable. The more knowledge doctors have about mesothelioma and asbestos exposure more effectively they are able to protect people.