Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that surrounds the lungs and other organs can develop mesothelioma. People who contract this disease usually had jobs which exposed them to asbestos.

Asbestos is one of the minerals that make strong microscopic fibers. It was used to create automobile and construction materials because it is impervious to heat, fire and water.

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. People who worked with asbestos, whether they mined it or worked with it in factories are at risk of developing mesothelioma. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for extended periods of time. Mesothelioma symptoms generally don't manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos. Because of this, the majority of mesothelioma cases are attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers may reach the thin layer of tissue that surrounds organs. This layer, dubbed the mesothelium can grow into mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lung. Other mesothelioma types include mesothelioma peritoneal, which develops in the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, growing around the heart.

Mesothelioma can also occur in other areas of the body when asbestos is inhaled or consumed in smaller quantities. It can be found in the lining of the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the abdominal cavity's lining (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually occurs as a result of an injury to the mesothelium which is why it's difficult to determine if it was caused by occupational exposure or a different cause.

Certain mesothelioma patients have developed the disease through contact with asbestos lawyer from the outside. It is sometimes referred to as take-home exposure, and occurs when asbestos is ingested on workers' clothing or equipment. In these cases, families often clean and wash the workers' clothes which can lead to higher risk of exposure than could be expected. Certain studies have revealed that the use of a similar asbestos called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma for those who live near deposits of erionite.

Chemotherapy and radiation are both treatments that increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. These treatments can damage mesothelium and cause mesothelioma. However they don't account for a large number of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Genetics, radiation therapy history to the chest, and exposure to radiation from secondhand sources are all factors that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. A mesothelioma family history may increase the risk for the disease. However, asbestos remains the primary mesothelioma cause.

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

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers could cause peritoneal, pleural, or other forms of mesothelioma. The symptoms can appear anywhere between 30 to 50 years after exposure. To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors must first rule out other conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms.

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

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous metamorphic minerals. It is highly durable and resistant to fire and heat which makes it a popular choice for industrial, military and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily used from the end of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was commonly used in ship, buildings automobile parts, and insulation.

Workers who used to handle or inhale asbestos were the primary group that diagnosed mesothelioma. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who have no occupational history of exposure to asbestos. They were exposed to asbestos through other methods. For instance, many women with husbands who employed asbestos brought home asbestos fibers that landed on their clothing and skin. The people who received the polio vaccine during the 1950s and 1960s have been found to be at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma due to the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma however, there are other factors that can also play a role. These could be related to a person's age, gender or genetics. People with an inherited predisposition or other health problems are at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma than those who do not.

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. Workers who have long-term, constant exposure to asbestos, such as miners or shipyard workers, are at most risk. However, many of those with mesothelioma didn't directly work with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when people live with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is the most frequent among spouses of those who worked with asbestos.

The signs of mesothelioma be seen over time, and will vary depending on the type a person has. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of the risks and consult a physician if they are experiencing any unusual or alarming symptoms.

Asbestos exposure can cause three types of mesothelioma namely pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the lungs and peritoneal mesothelioma can affect organs in the abdomen, and mesothelioma of the pericardium is a common occurrence heart. The majority of mesothelioma develops in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can form in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances can cause mesothelioma as well. These include erionite which is a mineral similar to asbestos and radiation therapy. A virus, known as SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder could cause mesothelioma too.

The research into the causes of mesothelioma may help doctors identify the cause more precisely and speedily. This allows mesothelioma patients to receive treatment earlier and have better outcomes. It is also vital to know the mesothelioma risks of other factors to help prevent more mesothelioma cases in the future. For instance the use of talcum powder can cause more women to develop peritoneal mesothelioma. By educating the public on mesothelioma we can cut down the number of people who are diagnosed with the cancer. This is particularly important because mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for as long as 50 years.

Genetics

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek out a specialist. Early treatment provides the best chance of survival. While asbestos lawyer (recent post by godfrey-schmitt-2.federatedjournals.com) exposure is the most common mesothelioma cause, research continues to identify other risk factors such as talcum powder and SV40. Understanding these risks and avoiding them will prevent more mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that were utilized extensively throughout the 20th century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its strength and fire-resistant characteristics was a major draw for manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos attorney became apparent and were well-documented by researchers, resulting in its removal. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers ship builders, auto manufacturers and others who worked with or wore clothes which was contaminated by asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lung's lining (the pleura) and are irritation and eventually grow into tumors. Symptoms typically take years to appear but by the time they show mesothelioma is already in advanced. Symptoms can include chest pain, heaviness or difficulty breathing. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs can be a sign.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations in cells. These are due to asbestos exposure, but many scientists believe a person's genes also play an important role. Researchers have discovered a gene named BAP 1, located on the short arm chromosome 3, which causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene through studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. family with Swiss origins. Every member of the family who was diagnosed with mesothelioma carried this mutated gene.

Genetics is just one part of the mesothelioma equation, but it is a significant one. A small proportion of people who experience asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, which suggests a person's genes may also be in play. Tumor suppressing genes appear to be altered in the majority of mesothelioma sufferers. As the research continues this gene will be investigated and analyzed more thoroughly to stop more mesothelioma cases from occurring. It is also likely that those who have a genetic predisposition need to be more careful about asbestos exposure and will need regular screening for mesothelioma signs.