Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that lines the lungs as well as other organs can develop mesothelioma. Patients who develop this cancer usually worked on jobs that exposed them to asbestos.

Asbestos is one of the minerals that form strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used to make automobile and construction materials as it is invulnerable to fire, heat and water.

Workplace Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties before it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled asbestos, whether they mined it or handled it in factories are at risk of mesothelioma. Those who have the highest risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for extended periods of time. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't appear until years after exposure to asbestos. For this reason, the majority of mesothelioma cases can be traced to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers become airborne and can be breathed in or swallowed. The fibers could get into the thin layer of tissue surrounding organs. This layer is known as the mesothelium and it can develop mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma that is pleural, and develops around the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma are mesothelioma peritoneal, which develops in the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, growing around the heart.

Mesothelioma may also form in other parts of the body when asbestos is inhaled or consumed with smaller amounts. It can be found in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually occurs as a result of mesothelium damage, so it's hard to determine if it was caused by exposure to occupational radiation or a different cause.

Certain mesothelioma patients have contracted the disease via contact with asbestos from the outside. This is often known as take-home exposure. It occurs when asbestos is found on clothing worn by workers or equipment. In these situations, families often clean and wash the workers' clothes which can lead to greater exposure than would otherwise be expected. Certain studies have revealed that the use of a similar asbestos, erionite, increases the risk of mesothelioma in those living near erionite deposits.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma are certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can damage mesothelium, which can cause mesothelioma. However, they do not cause a significant number of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes genetics, a history of radiation therapy to the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation. A mesothelioma-related family history can increase the risk for the disease. However, asbestos remains the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Workers who are directly exposed to asbestos lawsuit have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for those working in construction, manufacturing shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and other related industries. People who work with asbestos frequently inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they tear or damage the substance. The asbestos fibers can end up in the lining of the lungs, stomach and the heart. The asbestos could remain in the body for a long period of time, causing malignant mesothelioma tumors to grow.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers can result in peritoneal, pleural or other forms of mesothelioma. The symptoms can take between 30 to 50 years to appear. To determine if mesothelioma is a disease, the doctor must first rule out other conditions that could be causing symptoms.

Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of this cancer. It is believed that the risk for mesothelioma that is this type decreases after a person's asbestos exposure is over. However, the risk for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region continues to increase even after exposure to asbestos attorney has ended.

Asbestos is one of six naturally occurring metamorphic minerals that are fibrous. It is highly durable and is resistant to fire and heat which makes it a popular choice for military, industrial and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. asbestos claim was widely utilized from the close of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was often found in ship, buildings, automobile parts and insulation.

Workers who used to handle or inhale asbestos were the main group who developed mesothelioma. However, some people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who do not have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. They were exposed to asbestos by other methods. For example, many women who had husbands who worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers that landed on their clothing and skin. Those who were exposed to the polio vaccine during the 1950s and 1960s have been shown to be at a higher risk for mesothelioma as well, due to the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma but there are a variety of other factors that could be involved. This may include the person's gender, age or genetics. People who have a genetic predisposition or health problems are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those who do not.

The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Workers who have long-term, constant exposure to asbestos, such as shipyard workers or miners workers, are at most risk. However, many people with mesothelioma have not directly worked with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos claim can be exacerbated when people live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is common among spouses of those who handled asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be seen over time, and will vary depending on the kind of mesothelioma a person has. Everyone should be aware of the dangers they face and consult their physician if they experience any symptoms that are unusual or alarming.

Asbestos exposure can lead to three kinds of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affect in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma occurs around the heart. The most frequent mesothelioma is pleural, which usually forms in the lungs. However, peritoneal and pericardial cancers can develop in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances can also cause mesothelioma. These include erionite which is a mineral similar to asbestos and radiation therapy. A virus called SV40 and certain types of talcum powder could cause mesothelioma.

The study of the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors diagnose more accurately and speedily. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can receive treatment sooner and improve their results. It is also vital to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can prevent more mesothelioma cases in the future. For example the use of talcum powder could result in more women developing mesothelioma peritoneal. We can cut down on the number diagnosed with cancer by educating the public about mesothelioma. This is important because mesothelioma can have symptoms that are delayed up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek out a specialist. Early treatment gives patients the best chance of surviving. While asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, research continues to identify other risk factors such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them can help prevent more cases of mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that were utilized extensively throughout the 20th century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its durability and fire resistance led to it being a favorite among manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by researchers, resulting in its elimination. People who have been exposed to asbestos litigation at work are at the highest risk for mesothelioma. This includes miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers auto makers, ship builders and those who handled or wore clothing contaminated with asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura), where they become inflamed and then develop into tumors. The symptoms typically take years to manifest, but by the time they do mesothelioma has already advanced. The symptoms can include chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs is also an indication.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous cell mutations. They are caused by asbestos exposure, but a lot of scientists believe a person's genes are also a major factor. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome Three which causes mesothelioma studying mesothelioma epidemics in two U.S. families with Swiss ancestry. The mutation in the gene was discovered in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.

Genetics is just one part of the mesothelioma enigma, but it is a significant one. Only a tiny percentage of those who suffer from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests that the person's genes are also at play. Tumor suppressing genes seem to be mutated in most mesothelioma patients. As research advances, these genes will be examined and better understood to prevent mesothelioma. It is also likely that those who have a genetic predisposition require greater caution about asbestos exposure and will require regular screening for mesothelioma symptoms.