Mesothelioma – What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma-related cause. It can affect the lung linings as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors are radiation therapy for cancer genetics, as well as minerals that are similar to asbestos such as silica and Erionite.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or ingested can irritate healthy tissues for decades before mesothelioma-related tumors are caused by DNA damage. Mesothelioma symptoms typically take between 20 to 50 years to appear.
Asbestos
Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of microscopic fibers that were previously used extensively in construction. The majority of people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural (lung) mesothelioma. Some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials like silica and erionite.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest discomfort, breathlessness and the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating, and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma. They include mesothelioma peritoneal, pericardial meso and esophageal mesothelioma.
Scientists aren’t able to pinpoint the cause of mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is among the major factors. Scientists believe that exposure to asbestos causes mesothelioma due to it causing cells to grow abnormally, which results in cancerous tumors. Asbestos could also cause genetic mutations that can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong life and improve quality of life. Patients should see a physician immediately if they notice worrying symptoms. They should tell their doctor about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
People who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma need to know that they can contact a mesothelioma lawyer to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma sufferers and their families pay for treatments and make ends meet.
In a perfect world, everyone could stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, particularly those built before 1999, still contain asbestos. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing materials should adhere to safety rules, like wearing respirators and protective clothing. Additionally, those who suspect they have asbestos in their homes should have it checked by an asbestos expert certified to ensure that the asbestos is not damaged. This can lower the risk of mesothelioma as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. It is crucial to keep in mind that mesothelioma may still occur despite taking the necessary precautions.
Silica
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that covers many internal organs. It is caused by asbestos exposure, but can also be caused by exposure to other minerals like Erionite and silica. The most common mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma but it can also affect the stomach lining and testicles. Mesothelioma usually develops years after asbestos exposure and many patients are in their 50s or 60s.
Most people who develop mesothelioma are been exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, and many of them for a long period of time. Asbestos is made up of a grouping of minerals that naturally occur and form long, thin fibers. They are durable and resistant to heat. It was extensively used throughout the 20th century for a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications, but it was removed after scientists realized it was dangerous to health. When it is mined or cut and sanded, asbestos forms dust with tiny fibers that are inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that leads to mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, which makes it difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, persistent coughing and chest pain, or a lump in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma is only diagnosed through tests, and the majority of patients are sent to a specialist after consulting their physician.
Asbestos has been phased out but it is still present in older homes and buildings. There are no cases of mesothelioma which have been associated with other substances. However those who have been exposed to silica and other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. Mesothelioma symptoms can be very like those of other illnesses and, therefore, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, see your doctor immediately.
Erionite
Asbestos is the most common mineral associated with mesothelioma. However, it’s not the only one. In some instances, other materials, such as erionite (a type of zeolite) are also associated with the mesothelioma. Like asbestos, erionite may cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.
In the 1970s, a significant rate of mesothelioma was observed in the villages of Turkey which contain erionite. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural was responsible for as much as 50% of deaths in some households.
A group of geologists and environmental scientists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons and physicians, worked to determine the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families from the Turkish village carried a gene mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma caused by erionite. The mutations were passed on from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related chemicals can also increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma triggered by erionite was most likely due to long-term, heavy inhalation of gravel dust that contained the material. This happened in rural areas where mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is associated with mesothelioma and various respiratory diseases.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, causes symptoms like breathlessness (dyspnea) and chest pain (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, and weight increase. Mesothelioma is not curable, and it can be fatal when it reaches a severe stage.
Asbestos has been proven to be the sole mesothelioma-causing factor. Researchers have found that people who’ve been exposed silica, erionite or other minerals may also develop mesothelioma. If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or have been exposed to other types of asbestos, seek medical help as soon as possible. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The team of health care professionals includes mesothelioma specialists, lung transplant surgeons, and other experts. Together, they’ll come up with the treatment plan that’s right for you.
Other Minerals
Asbestos is a natural mineral with fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by people who are near asbestos when it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers enter the protective mesothelium in the lungs and the heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers mutate DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can happen professionally and non-occupationally. Asbestos is a serious health risk for those who have been in the military or travelled with asbestos. There are six types of asbestos, however chrysotile and amphibole are the most commonly used. Each type has distinct types of fibers that resemble split and be absorbed into the body in various ways.
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop. The first signs typically include abdominal or respiratory issues. The condition can affect any part of the body, however it most commonly affects the lung (pleural mesothelioma) or the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) or heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma could also affect the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining around the intestines (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).
About 75%-80% of mesothelioma cases are due to exposure to asbestos. Most of the cases are caused by asbestos exposure at work, cassylawn (reference) however some cases have no identifiable cause. This is because asbestos has been used in a variety of products, exposing a lot of people to the dangerous material. Asbestos exposure can also happen when old homes are renovated or renovated. This is particularly true after environmental catastrophes like hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires damage structures that contain asbestos.
If you suspect mesothelioma, arrange an appointment right away with your physician. Early treatment improves the outcomes of mesothelioma since doctors can detect the disease when it is most treatable. The more information doctors have about mesothelioma’s causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect patients from asbestos exposure.