5 Killer Quora Answers To What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. It affects the lung lining (pleural mesothelioma) as well as the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma). Other risk factors include the treatment of cancer with radiation, genetics, and minerals that are similar to asbestos like Erionite and Silica.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or swallowed can irritate healthy tissue for decades before DNA damage to cells causes mesothelioma-related tumors. Mesothelioma symptoms usually take 20 - 50 years for symptoms to appear.

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, a collection of microscopic fibres once widely employed in construction is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma. People who are exposed to asbestos most often develop pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). Certain people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

The most common mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, breathlessness and an accumulation of fluid around the lung (pleural effusion). Mesothelioma can also cause abdominal pain, bloating and weight loss. There are a variety of mesothelioma, including peritoneal pericardial and esophageal.

Scientists don't know what causes mesothelioma but they do know that asbestos is one of the main factors. Exposure to asbestos is believed to cause mesothelioma by causing cells to grow abnormally and to produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that could increase the risk of acquiring the disease.

There is no cure for mesothelioma. However treatment can prolong the life of patients and improve the quality of life. To get the best mesothelioma treatment, patients should see a doctor as soon as they notice any worrisome symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

Individuals who are worried about the possibility of mesothelioma should know that they can consult 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 an ideal world everyone would be able stay away from asbestos exposure in the near future. Many older buildings, particularly ones built prior to 1999 still contain asbestos. Those who are in possession of asbestos-containing items should adhere to the proper safety guidelines such as wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. In addition those who suspect that they have asbestos in their homes should have it examined by a certified asbestos inspector to ensure that the material isn't disturbed. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma, as well as other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma may occur even with the best precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds many internal organs. It is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, however, it could be caused by exposure to other minerals like silica or erionite. The most common mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma attorney) however, it may also occur in the lining of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma attorney) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed after exposure to asbestos, with patients usually in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of 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 create long, thin fibers that are very strong and resistant to heat. It was extensively employed throughout the 20th century in various commercial, industrial and military applications. However it was removed when scientists realized that it was a danger to health. When it is cut or mined into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. Those fibers can become stuck in the lungs, causing irritation that can lead to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not always apparent until years after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to recognize. It can be a sign of difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, chest pain or a lump that appears in the chest or abdomen. Only tests can diagnose mesothelioma, and the majority of patients are directed to specialists after visiting their physician.

Asbestos has been eliminated, but is still found in older buildings and homes. There are no cases of mesothelioma which has been associated with other substances. However, those who have been exposed silica or other minerals could be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is crucial to speak with your physician.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause, it's not the only mineral linked to the cancer. Other substances, such as erionite which is a form of zeolite have been linked to the disease in certain cases. Similar to asbestos, erionite could cause mesothelioma when it gets into the body and is inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a significant mesothelioma rate was seen in the villages of Turkey that contained erionite. In these villages, pleural mesothelioma was responsible for as much as 50 percent of deaths in certain households.

A group of environmental scientists and geologists together with mesothelioma experts, surgeons and doctors, worked to determine the cause of this rare lung cancer. They discovered that certain families in the Turkish village had a gene mutation that made them susceptible to mesothelioma related to erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Smoking cigarettes and exposure to asbestos-related substances could also increase the risk of mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma triggered by erionite is most likely a result from the inhalation of the heavy gravel dust that contained this material over a long period of time. It was prevalent in rural areas in which mining and road construction were taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is linked to mesothelioma and other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, can cause symptoms like shortness of breathe (dyspnea) and chest pain (pleural effusion) loss of appetite, and weight gain. Mesothelioma is not curable, and is usually fatal once it develops to a severe stage.

Asbestos has been shown to be the sole cause of mesothelioma. However, researchers have found that people who've been exposed to other kinds of minerals such as silica and Erionite could develop mesothelioma as well. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma or were exposed to other types asbestos. You can receive professional mesothelioma treatments at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma surgeons who carry out lung transplants, and experts in many other fields. They'll collaborate to develop an appropriate treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has fibrous, strong fibers. Asbestos is a substance that can be breathed in by those who live near asbestos when it is disturbed. The asbestos fibers enter the protective mesothelium in the lungs and in the heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both professionally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a significant health risk for people who have served in the military or transported asbestos. There are six types of asbestos. The most common are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type has different fibers that resemble fragments and can enter the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related ailments can take a number of years to develop. The first signs are typically respiratory or abdominal problems. The condition can affect the lungs, abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma of the pericardial region), or heart. Mesothelioma can also affect the testicles and the lining of the intestines.

Around 75% to mesothelioma can be traced to asbestos exposure. The majority of those affected had on-the-job asbestos exposure, but some people have developed mesothelioma lawyers with no identifiable source. The asbestos used in many products has exposed so many people to the dangerous substance. Asbestos can also be a source of exposure when renovating or refurbishing old houses. This is particularly relevant when environmental catastrophes such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and fires destroy structures with asbestos.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor as soon as they can. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of mesothelioma since doctors can identify the disease at a point when it can be treated. The more information doctors can gather about mesothelioma's causes and risk factors the better they are able to protect people from exposure to asbestos.