Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of mesothelioma. It can affect the linings of the lungs as well as the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) and the heart (pericardial msothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals such as silica and erionite.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for years before damage to DNA of cells causes mesothelioma tumors. It could take up to 50 years for mesothelioma lawsuit cancer symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a grouping of microscopic fibres that was once widely used in construction is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). However, some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials, including silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness of breathing, and a buildup of fluid on the lungs. Mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are many types of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelial, and esophageal.

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the major causes. Exposure to asbestos is thought to trigger mesothelioma, creating abnormal growth of cells and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that could increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they experience troubling symptoms. They should tell their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Individuals who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma need to know that they can consult mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help individuals with mesothelioma as well as their families pay for treatment and help make the ends meet.

Ideally, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the near future. But asbestos can still be found in a lot of older structures, especially those built prior to 1999. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing items should follow proper safety regulations including wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their home should only have it inspected by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the material is not damaged. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could still occur even if you take the appropriate precautions.

Silica

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

Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces and many of them for a long time. Asbestos is a group of naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are extremely strong and withstand heat. It was widely employed throughout the 20th century in various commercial, industrial, and military applications. However it was eliminated after scientists realized it was a danger to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. These fibers can get stuck in the lung and cause irritation which leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma do not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to diagnose. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump that appears in the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed by a test, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after seeing their GP.

Asbestos has been eliminated, but is still found in older buildings and homes. While there are no known mesothelioma cases triggered by other substances, there is a risk that people who have been exposed to silica or other kinds of minerals could develop the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported cause of mesothelioma however, it's not the sole mineral that has been linked to the cancer. Other substances, such as erionite a type of zeolite, have also been linked to the disease in certain cases. Erionite, 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 which contain Erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in some households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists, as well as mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked together to discover the root of this rare lung cancer. They found that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to erionite-related mesothelioma. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite probably resulted from the inhalation of heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long period of time. This occurred in rural areas where mining and road construction occurred. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma as well as other respiratory diseases.

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

Asbestos is known to be the sole cause of mesothelioma. However, research has revealed that those who have been exposed to other kinds of minerals, such as silica or Erionite can develop mesothelioma lawsuits well. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma, or have been exposed to asbestos of different types. You can receive expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who can perform lung transplants, as well as experts in many other fields. They'll collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral that has strong, flexible fibers. Asbestos can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos when it is disturbed. The tiny asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs, and heart. Over time, the fibers alter DNA and can cause tumors. Asbestos can be a source of exposure at work and outside of it. People in the military who handled or transported asbestos are particularly at risk as are civilians exposed to asbestos on the job. There are six kinds of asbestos, but chrysotile and amphibole are the most commonly used. Each type contains various fibers that look like pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases can take many years to develop. The first signs typically include abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect testicles and the linings of the intestines.

Around 75% to 80 percent of mesothelioma lawyers cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of the cases were caused by exposure to asbestos at work, however some cases have no identifiable cause. The asbestos used in so many different products has exposed many people to the harmful substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes cause damage to structures that contain asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the outcome of mesothelioma as doctors are able to detect the disease at a point when it is treatable. The more information doctors have about asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, the better they are capable of protecting people.