Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that lines the lungs as well as other organs may develop mesothelioma. People who get this cancer typically worked in jobs that exposed them to asbestos.

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

Workplace Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was extensively used 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 mesothelioma. The greatest risk is for those who have been exposed to large amounts of tiny asbestos fibers over a long period of time. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until a long time after asbestos exposure. The majority of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace.

Asbestos fibers are inhaled and swallowed when disturbed. These fibers may reach the thin layer of tissue which surrounds organs. This layer, dubbed the mesothelium, can develop mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most popular mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lung. Other mesothelioma types are pericardial and peritoneal. They develop in the abdomen.

It could also occur in other parts of your body, if you inhale asbestos or ingest it in smaller amounts. It can form in the linings of the testicles and abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is typically the result of mesothelium damage and it's difficult to determine whether it was the result of occupational exposure or some other cause.

Certain people who have mesothelioma develop the disease from secondhand contact. Take-home exposure occurs when asbestos is carried home by workers wearing clothing or equipment. In these situations workers' clothing is typically cleaned and washed by families, which results in a higher exposure than expected. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of an asbestos lawyer-like substance similar to erionite raises the risk of developing mesothelioma among those living near the deposits of erionite.

Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can damage the mesothelium and cause mesothelioma, however they don't account for a significant number of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Many other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, a history of radiation therapy to the chest and secondhand exposure. A family history of mesothelioma can also increase the risk of an individual. Asbestos remains the main reason for mesothelioma.

People who work directly with asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma. This is especially true for those who work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and other related industries. The asbestos-related workers often inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or disturb the material. The fibers then end up in the lining of the lungs, the heart and stomach. The asbestos fibers may remain in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Inhaling or swallowing these contaminated fibers could lead to mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and other forms of the disease. The symptoms can appear anywhere between 30 to 50 years after exposure. To determine if mesothelioma is a disease, the doctor must first rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly encountered form of this cancer. After asbestos exposure, the risk of developing this form of mesothelioma may decrease. The risk of developing peritoneal cancer is not diminished after the asbestos exposure has been ended.

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

Mesothelioma is a common occurrence among asbestos workers who have handled or breathed in asbestos. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who do not have a history of occupational exposure to asbestos. They were exposed to asbestos through other means. For example, many wives of husbands who employed asbestos brought home stray asbestos fibers that landed on their clothing and skin. The asbestos contamination that was present in the polio vaccination in the 1950s and 1960s has been proven to increase the risk of mesothelioma in those who received it.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause however, there are other factors that may be involved. This could be due to the person's gender, age, or genetics. People with a genetic predisposition or other health issues are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma than those who do not.

The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is responsible for the majority of mesothelioma cases. The most risk is for workers who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time for example, mine or shipyard workers. However, a lot of people who have mesothelioma did not work directly with asbestos. In addition, exposure through secondhand sources can occur when someone lives with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed in asbestos fibers. This kind of exposure is usually in spouses of asbestos workers.

Mesothelioma-related symptoms usually develop over time and can differ based on the type of mesothelioma patient has. Everyone should be aware of the dangers they are exposed to and speak with their doctor if any symptoms are unusual or alarming.

Asbestos exposure can trigger three types of mesothelioma namely pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. The lung is affected by pleural mesothelioma while organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as pericardial. The majority of mesothelioma occurs in the lung. However, peritoneal and pericardial cancers can form in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances may also cause mesothelioma. Radiation therapy and erionite (a mineral that is similar in appearance to asbestos) are among the compounds that can cause mesothelioma. A virus, known as SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder can also trigger mesothelioma.

Research into causes of mesothelioma help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma more quickly and accurately. Patients with mesothelioma can receive treatment earlier and have better outcomes. It is also essential to understand other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the future. The use of talcum may result in more women developing peritoneal cancer. We can cut down on the number diagnosed with cancer by educating people about mesothelioma. This is particularly important because mesothelioma symptoms are typically delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you must consult a physician. Early treatment gives patients the best chance of survival. While asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma however, research continues to identify other risk factors like talcum powder and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them can help reduce the incidence of mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a group of fibrous mineral fibers that was extensively used throughout the 20th Century in industrial, commercial and even military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature was a major draw for manufacturers. However asbestos's dangers became evident and were documented by researchers, resulting in its phase out. People who were exposed to asbestos legal (Link Home Page) in the workplace are at risk for mesothelioma. This includes miner factory workers, asbestos insulation installers. They also include shipbuilders, railroad employees automakers, railroad workers.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura) which is where they get irritation and eventually grow into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest, but they are typically advanced by the time that they appear. Symptoms can include chest pain, heaviness, or difficulty breathing. Fluid buildup in the lungs is also a sign.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous cell mutations. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos is a major factor however, they also believe that genes play a part. Researchers have discovered a gene named BAP 1, located on the short arm of chromosome 3, which causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene while studying epidemics of mesothelioma 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 aspect of the mesothelioma puzzle, but it is a significant one. A small proportion of people who have suffered from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests that a person's genes may also be at play. The majority of mesothelioma patients are carriers of mutations in tumor suppressing genes. As the research continues the genes will be investigated and analyzed more thoroughly to stop more mesothelioma cases from occurring. It is possible that those who are genetically predisposed to mesothelioma will also have to be more cautious about asbestos exposure, and will require regular screening for symptoms.