Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It affects the lung's lining (pleural mesothelioma) and abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include radiation treatment for other cancers, genetics and asbestos-like minerals like silica and iron oxide.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for years before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma cancer symptoms to show up.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers once commonly used in the construction industry. Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma of the pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

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

Scientists aren't able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the main factors. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma as it causes cells to develop abnormally, resulting in cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that could increase the risk of acquiring the disease.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice any worrying symptoms. Patients should inform their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

If you are worried about the likelihood of developing mesothelioma in the future, you can talk to a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about possibilities of compensation. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and pay for their expenses.

In the ideal world, everyone would be able to stay away from asbestos exposure in the future. Many older buildings, particularly ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material, it is important to follow safety regulations. For instance 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 inspected only by a certified asbestos litigation inspection. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important 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 many internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposures to other minerals such as Erionite or silica. The most frequent type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleural region however it can also affect the stomach's lining and testicles. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients often in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is one of the naturally found minerals that form long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and withstand heat. It was extensively employed throughout the 20th century in a variety of industrial, commercial and military applications. However it was removed after scientists realized that it was a danger to health. Asbestos dust has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it's mined or cut. These fibers can become stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which can cause mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not typically evident until decades after asbestos exposure, making it difficult to recognize. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or an area of lumpy tissue on the chest or abdomen. Only tests can identify mesothelioma and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older homes and buildings. There aren't any cases of mesothelioma that have been associated with other substances. However, people who have been exposed silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most commonly reported mesothelioma cause, it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. In some instances other materials, such as erionite (a kind of zeolite) are also associated with the cancer. Erionite, just like asbestos, can cause mesothelioma if it is inhaled or consumed.

In the 1970s, an unusually mesothelioma rate was recorded in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite is a rock that exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural was responsible for as much as 50 percent of deaths in certain households.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to discover the cause of this unique lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking cigarettes or exposure to other asbestos litigation-related substances could increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite is most likely a result from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this material over a long time. It was prevalent in rural areas where mining and road construction took place. Erionite exposure in Dunn County, North Dakota has been linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can cause symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lung (pleural effusion) and loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that may cause symptoms like shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain and chest pain, fluid on the lung (pleural effusion), and loss of appetite and weight loss.

Asbestos is known to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have found that those who have been exposed to silica erionite or other minerals might also develop mesothelioma. If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have had heavy exposure to other forms of asbestos claim, get medical help as soon as you can. Mayo Clinic offers expert mesothelioma treatment. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. They'll work together to create the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally occurs, is composed of strong and flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by people near it. The tiny asbestos fibers can penetrate the mesothelium that protects the stomach, lungs and heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors as time passes. Asbestos is a risk both at work and outside of it. Asbestos is a serious health risk for people who have served in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six types of asbestos. The most popular are chrysotile and amphibole. Each type has different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in a variety of 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 most commonly affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma could also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

Around 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The majority of cases are caused due to asbestos exposure at work, however certain cases do not have a clear reason. This is due to the fact that asbestos is utilized in a variety of products, exposing a lot of people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or restoring older homes. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes damage structures containing asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your doctor. Early treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, as doctors can identify the disease at the time it is most treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma causes and risk factors, the better they can ensure that people are safe from asbestos exposure.