Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line the chest wall, lungs, abdomen and other organs. People who contract this disease usually worked on jobs where they were exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that create strong microscopic fibers. It was used to create automotive and construction products because it is impervious to heat, fire and water.

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used extensively to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. The people who worked with asbestos whether they mined it or handled it in factories, are at risk of mesothelioma. Those who have the highest risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for prolonged durations of time. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't show 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 are released into the air and can be inhaled or swallowed. The fibers can penetrate the thin tissue layer that surrounds organs. This layer is called the mesothelium and it can develop cancerous mesothelioma tumors. Pleural mesothelioma forms around the lungs and is the most frequent form of mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma forms are pericardial and peritoneal. These form in the abdomen.

Mesothelioma can also develop in other areas of the body if asbestos is ingested or inhaled in smaller quantities. It may occur in the lining of the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the wall of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically the result of an injury to the mesothelium and it's difficult to determine if it was caused by occupational exposure or a different cause.

Some individuals with mesothelioma have been diagnosed with the disease due to contact with asbestos from the outside. This is sometimes known as take-home exposure, and happens when asbestos claim is found on clothing worn by workers or other equipment. In these instances, workers' clothing is often washed and cleaned by their families, resulting in a greater exposure than anticipated. Some studies have found that the use of a similar asbestos called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma developing in those who live near deposits of erionite.

Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include certain medical treatments, like chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can damage mesothelium, causing mesothelioma. However they don't make up a large percentage of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the mesothelioma danger. These include genetics, a history of radiation therapy to the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation. A family history of the disease may also increase an individual's risk. However, asbestos remains the primary mesothelioma cause.

People who work directly with asbestos have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for those working in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, asbestos mining and other related industries. People who work with asbestos frequently inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or alter the substance. The asbestos fibers can end up in the lining of the lungs, stomach and heart. The asbestos may remain in the body for a long time, causing malignant mesothelioma tumors to grow.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers may cause peritoneal, pleural, or other forms of mesothelioma. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to show. In order to diagnose mesothelioma doctors must first rule out any other condition which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms.

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

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

Workers who handled or inhale asbestos were the primary group that developed mesothelioma. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have no previous occupational exposure to asbestos. These individuals were exposed to asbestos by other ways. For instance, many women who had husbands who worked with asbestos brought home stray asbestos fibers that landed on their clothing and skin. Those who were exposed to the polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s have been shown to be at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma because of the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos litigation.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos law is the most common mesothelioma trigger but there are a variety of other factors that may be involved. This may include the person's gender, age, or genetics. People who have a predisposition to mesothelioma or other health issues are at a higher risk than those without.

Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases. Workers who have long-term, constant exposure to asbestos, such as shipyard workers or miners workers, are at highest risk. However, many of those with mesothelioma did not work directly with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when people live with someone who worked with asbestos and breathe in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is common among spouses of those who worked with asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may become more apparent as time passes, and they can vary depending on what type a person has. It is essential for everyone to be aware of the risks and speak to a doctor in the event of any unusual or worrying symptoms.

Asbestos exposure can trigger three types of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. The lung is affected by pleural mesothelioma while organs of the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal and pericardial. The most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma type is pleural, and usually occurs in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can develop in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances could cause mesothelioma too. This includes erionite, which is a mineral similar to asbestos legal as well as radiation therapy. A virus called SV40 and certain kinds of talcum powder could also trigger mesothelioma.

The study of the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors diagnose more accurately and quickly. This allows mesothelioma patients to receive treatment earlier and better their outcomes. Knowing about other mesothelioma-related risks is essential to avoid mesothelioma from occurring in the future. The use of talcum can result in more women developing peritoneal cancer. We can reduce the number diagnosed with cancer by educating people about mesothelioma. This is especially important since mesothelioma symptoms can be delayed for as long as 50 years.

Genetics

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma you should seek out a specialist. Early treatment is the best chance of survival. While asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma trigger but research continues to discover other risk factors, such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them will help to prevent the occurrence of more cases mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that were used extensively throughout the 20th century for various commercial, industrial and military applications. Its durability and fire-resistant properties has made it a popular choice for manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by scientists, leading to its elimination. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the highest risk for mesothelioma. This includes miners factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers and auto makers, ship builders and others who handled or wore clothing which was contaminated by asbestos.

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

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. These are due to asbestos exposure, however many researchers believe that the genes of a person can also play a role. Researchers found a gene called BAP 1, which is located on the short arm chromosome 3, which causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene after studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. family with Swiss ancestry. The mutation in the gene was discovered in every member of the family who had mesothelioma.

Genetics is only one component of the mesothelioma enigma however it is an important one. Only a tiny percentage of people who have suffered from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests that a person's genetics are also at play. The majority of mesothelioma patients are carriers of mutations in tumor suppressing genes. As research advances the genes will be examined and better understood to help stop mesothelioma from developing. 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-related symptoms.