Mesothelioma - What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?

Asbestos exposure is only the one known mesothelioma attorney-related cause. It can affect the linings of the lungs, 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 erionite.

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

Asbestos

Exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of microscopic fibres often used in construction, is the most common cause of mesothelioma lawsuit. People who are exposed to asbestos the most often develop pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung's lining (the pleura). Some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other materials such as silica and erionite.

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

Scientists aren't sure what causes mesothelioma but they are certain that asbestos is a major factor. Exposure to asbestos is thought to cause mesothelioma by making cells grow abnormally and produce cancerous tumors. Asbestos may also cause genetic mutations, which could increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma but treatment can prolong the life of a patient and increase their quality of life. To get the best mesothelioma treatment patients should visit a doctor as soon as they notice any alarming symptoms. They should tell their doctor if they've ever been exposed to asbestos. This will allow them to be tested for the disease.

Individuals who are concerned about the risk of developing mesothelioma should be aware that they can consult mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about compensation options. Compensation can help mesothelioma attorney sufferers and their families pay for treatments and help them make ends meet.

In the ideal scenario, everyone can avoid exposure to asbestos in the future. Many older buildings, particularly those constructed prior to 1999, still contain asbestos. Anyone who is in possession of asbestos-containing materials should adhere to safety rules, like wearing protective clothing and breathing apparatus. To ensure that asbestos is not disturbed and anyone who suspects that they have asbestos in their home should have it inspected only by a certified asbestos inspection. This can reduce the risk of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses. However, it is important to remember that mesothelioma can still be a problem even with the right precautions.

Silica

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds numerous internal organs. It is mostly caused by exposure to asbestos but it can also be the result of exposure to other minerals, such as silica or erionite. The most common form of mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also occur in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the membrane that surrounds the testicles and heart (pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed years after exposure to asbestos, with patients typically in their 50s and 60s.

The majority of those who develop mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in their work environment, and most of them were exposed to high levels for a long time. Asbestos is one of the naturally occurring minerals that create long thin fibers, which are extremely durable and resistant to heat. It was used extensively throughout the 20th century in a wide range of military, industrial and commercial applications. However, it was phased out after scientists realized it was harmful to health. When it is mined or cut into pieces, asbestos produces dust that contains tiny fibers that can be inhaled. These fibers can get stuck in the lungs and cause irritation, which leads to mesothelioma.

The signs of mesothelioma are not usually visible until decades after exposure to asbestos, making it difficult to identify. It is characterized by chest pain, persistent coughing, breathing difficulties or a lump on the chest or abdomen. The only tests that can confirm mesothelioma lawyers are those performed by a and the majority of patients are referred to specialists after visiting their primary care physician.

Asbestos is no longer used, but it's still found in many older homes and household items. There aren't any cases of mesothelioma which have been linked to other substances. However, people who have been exposed silica and other minerals may be at risk of developing the disease. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to consult your doctor.

Erionite

Although asbestos is the most common mesothelioma-related cause but it's not the only mineral that is linked to cancer. Other materials like erionite, which is a form of zeolite have also been linked to disease in certain cases. Like asbestos, erionite can cause mesothelioma if it is absorbed into the body, and is then inhaled or ingested.

In the 1970s, a remarkablely mesothelioma-related rate was observed in a number of villages in Turkey where erionite-bearing rock exists. In these villages, mesothelioma pleural accounted for up to 50 percent of deaths in a few households.

A team of geologists, environmental scientists and mesothelioma lawyer specialists as well as surgeons and physicians worked together to find out the reason for this unique lung cancer. They discovered that a few families from the Turkish village had a genetic mutation that made them vulnerable to mesothelioma triggered by Erionite. The mutations were passed down from generation to generation. Other factors, such as smoking and exposure to other asbestos-related substances, could also increase a person's risk for mesothelioma.

The mesothelioma caused by erionite most likely resulted from inhaling heavy gravel dust containing this substance over a long time. This happened in rural areas, where mining and road construction was taking place. In Dunn County, North Dakota Erionite exposure is associated with mesothelioma as well as other respiratory illnesses.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that causes symptoms such as breathlessness (dyspnea), chest pain, swelling of the lungs (pleural effusion) and a loss of appetite and weight loss. Mesothelioma has no cure, and it is often fatal once it develops to a severe stage.

Asbestos is the only known mesothelioma-causing agent. Researchers have discovered that people who have been exposed to silica, Erionite, or other minerals could also develop mesothelioma. Seek medical attention as soon as you can if you have mesothelioma or have been exposed to asbestos of different types. You can get expert mesothelioma care at Mayo Clinic. The health care team includes doctors and nurses who specialize in mesothelioma, surgeons who carry out lung transplants, as well as experts in a variety of other areas. They'll collaborate to develop the best treatment plan for you.

Other Minerals

Asbestos is a natural mineral with strong, flexible fibers. When asbestos is disturbed it becomes airborne and can be inhaled or ingested by people near it. The asbestos fibers penetrate the mesothelium that protects the lungs and heart. As time passes, the asbestos fibers alter DNA and cause tumors. Asbestos exposure can occur both occupationally and non-occupationally. Asbestos poses a serious health risk for people who have been in the military or carried asbestos. There are six kinds of asbestos. The most commonly used are chrysotile or amphibole. Each type has various fibers that look like pieces of wood and can be absorbed into the human body in various ways.

Asbestos-related diseases often take decades 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 may also involve the testicles (ascitic mesothelioma) and the lining that surrounds the intestinal tract (sarcomatoid mesothelioma).

About 75% to mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. Most of those affected were exposed to asbestos on the job, but some people have developed mesothelioma that has no identifiable source. The asbestos that is used in many products has exposed many people to the hazardous substance. Asbestos is also a risk when renovating or refurbishing old homes. This is particularly true after environmental disasters such as fires, tornadoes and hurricanes destroy asbestos-containing structures.

Anyone who suspects mesothelioma should arrange an appointment with their doctor immediately. Early treatment improves mesothelioma outcomes since doctors can detect the disease when it is most manageable. The more information doctors have on mesothelioma's causes and risk factors more effectively they can protect people from asbestos exposure.