Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

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

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed can cause irritation to healthy tissues for decades before mesothelioma tumors develop. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 - 50 years for symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Mesothelioma is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of microscopic fibers that were once commonly used in the construction industry. The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. However, some people have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to other materials like silica, erionite and zeolites.

The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, shortness in breath, and the buildup of fluid on the lung. Mesothelioma can 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 however they do know that asbestos is one of the major factors. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma through causing cells to grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos also causes genetic mutations that may increase someone's risk of developing mesothelioma.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However, treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life. Patients should see a doctor immediately if they notice alarming symptoms. They should inform their doctor about their past exposure to asbestos so they can be examined for mesothelioma lawsuits.

People who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma need to know that they can contact mesothelioma lawyers to find out more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma patients as well as their families pay for treatment and help them make ends meet.

In a perfect world everyone would be able avoid asbestos exposure in the near future. But asbestos is still found in a lot of older buildings, particularly those built prior to 1999. If you're dealing with asbestos-containing material, it is important to adhere to safety guidelines. For instance wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. Additionally, those who suspect they have asbestos in their homes should only have it inspected by an asbestos inspector certified to ensure that the asbestos is not damaged. This will reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma could still occur despite taking the necessary precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposure to other minerals such as Erionite and silica. The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma but it can also affect the linings of the stomach and testicles. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s or 60s.

Most patients who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their work environments and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is a class of naturally occurring minerals that make up long thin fibers that are very strong and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide variety of military, industrial and commercial applications, though it was removed after scientists realized it was harmful to health. Asbestos is a dust that has tiny fibers. It can be inhaled when it is cut or mined. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, creating irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not appear until decades after exposure to asbestos, making the disease extremely difficult to diagnose. Symptoms include chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or a lump on the chest or abdomen. Mesothelioma can only be identified with tests, and most patients are sent to a specialist after visiting their doctor.

Asbestos is no longer in use however, it's still present in many older buildings and household items. While there are no known mesothelioma lawsuit cases caused by other substances but there is a possibility that those who have been exposed to silica or other types of minerals could develop the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms are very like those of other illnesses and, therefore, if you're experiencing any of these symptoms consult your physician immediately.

Erionite

While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause however, it's not the sole mineral linked to the cancer. In certain instances other materials such as erionite (a form of zeolite) are also associated with the disease. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma incidence was noted in villages in Turkey which contain erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma could be responsible for up to 50% of deaths in certain households.

A team comprised of environmental scientists, geologists mesothelioma specialists, surgeons and physicians worked to find out the reason for this rare lung cancer. They discovered that some families from the Turkish village had a gene mutation which made them susceptible to mesothelioma triggered by erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking and exposure to asbestos-related substances could increase the risk of mesothelioma.

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

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) as well as chest pain (pleural effusion), loss of appetite, and weight gain. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it is often fatal once it develops to the stage of severe.

Asbestos is known to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. However, researchers have discovered that people who've been exposed to different types of minerals, such as silica or erionite may develop mesothelioma as well. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma or were exposed to asbestos of different types. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The health care team comprises nurses and doctors who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in a number of other fields. They'll work together to create a treatment plan that's right for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos, which occurs naturally, is made of flexible and strong fibers. When asbestos is disturbed, it becomes airborne and can be breathed in or consumed by people who are around it. The asbestos fibers enter the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. The fibers trigger DNA mutations and tumors that develop over time. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. Military personnel who transport or handle asbestos are at particular risk, as are civilians exposed to it on the job. There are six kinds of asbestos, however chrysotile and amphibole are the most common. Each type contains different fibers that look like splinters and can enter the human body in different ways.

Asbestos-related illnesses can take many years to develop. The first symptoms typically involve respiratory or abdominal issues. The condition can affect the abdomen, lungs (peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial) or the heart. mesothelioma lawyers could also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75%-80 percent of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. The majority of cases are caused by asbestos exposure at work, but some cases have no identifiable reason. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed many people to the dangerous material. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires damage structures that contain asbestos.

If you suspect mesothelioma, schedule an appointment immediately with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma, since doctors can identify the disease at a point that it is treatable. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma's causes as well as risk factors, the better they can ensure that people are safe from exposure to asbestos.