Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma can be found in the tissues that line the chest wall, lungs, abdomen, and other organs. Patients who develop this cancer usually had jobs where they were exposed to asbestos.

asbestos (similar web-site) is a group of minerals that make strong, microscopic fibers. It was used to make automobile and construction materials because it is impervious to fire, heat and water.

Workplace Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. People who worked with asbestos whether they mined it or handled it in factories, are at risk of mesothelioma. The people who are at the highest risk are those who were exposed to large amounts of microscopic asbestos fibers for long periods of time. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't appear until years after exposure to asbestos. This is why the majority of mesothelioma cases are attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers can reach the thin layer of tissue that surrounds organs. This layer is called the mesothelium, and it is prone to developing mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lung. Other mesothelioma types are pericardial and peritoneal. They are formed in the abdomen.

Mesothelioma can also develop in other parts of the body, if asbestos is ingested or inhaled with smaller amounts. It can be found in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the wall of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma is typically the result of an injury to the mesothelium, so it's hard to determine if it was the result of occupational exposure or a different cause.

Some people with mesothelioma have been diagnosed with the disease due to contact with asbestos from the outside. It is sometimes known as take-home exposure. It happens when asbestos is brought home on clothing worn by workers or equipment. In these cases workers' clothing is typically cleaned and washed by families, resulting in a higher exposure than anticipated. Certain studies have revealed that the use of a similar asbestos called erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma for those living near erionite deposits.

Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium and cause mesothelioma, but they do not account for a significant number of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

Other factors can increase the risk of mesothelioma. This includes genetics, a history of radiation therapy for the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation. A mesothelioma family history may increase the risk of contracting the disease. However, asbestos remains the most common cause of mesothelioma.

People who work directly with asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for those working 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 substance. The asbestos fibers can end up in the linings of the stomach, lungs and the heart. The asbestos can remain in the body for a long period of time and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers to grow.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers can cause peritoneal, pleural, or other forms of mesothelioma. Symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years before they appear. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer, doctors must first rule out other conditions that could be causing the patient's symptoms.

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

Asbestos is one of six naturally occurring metamorphic minerals that are fibrous. It is impervious to heat and fire and highly durable, which made it a popular material for industrial, commercial and military applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily employed from the time of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was often found in ships, buildings automobile parts, and insulation.

Workers who used to handle or inhale asbestos were the primary group that developed mesothelioma. However, some people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who have no occupational history of exposure to asbestos. These individuals were exposed to asbestos by other means. For instance, a lot of women with husbands who employed asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing and skin. Those who were exposed to the polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s were found to be at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma too because of the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, there are several other factors that could contribute to the development of. This could include age, gender, or genetics. People with a predisposition to mesothelioma, or other health issues are at a higher risk than those without.

The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. Workers with long-term, consistent exposure to asbestos, like shipyard or miners workers, are at most risk. However, a lot of people who have 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 kind of exposure is the most frequent for spouses of workers who worked with asbestos.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may be seen as time passes, and they will vary depending on the kind of mesothelioma a person 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: the pericardial, peritoneal and pleural. The lung is affected by mesothelioma pleural, and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as pericardial. The most commonly diagnosed mesothelioma type is pleural, which usually occurs in the lungs. However, peritoneal mesothelioma can form in the abdominal cavity. pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the heart.

Researchers have discovered that different substances can also cause mesothelioma. These include erionite which is a mineral similar to asbestos and radiation therapy. A virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder can also trigger mesothelioma.

Research into the causes of mesothelioma help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma more quickly and precisely. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can get treatment earlier and improve their outcome. It is also crucial to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so we can help prevent more mesothelioma cases in the near future. For example, the use of talcum powder could result in more women developing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. By educating the public on mesothelioma, we can decrease the number of people diagnosed with cancer. This is particularly important as mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you must consult a doctor. Early treatment is the best prognosis. While asbestos claim exposure is the main mesothelioma cause, research continues to discover other risk factors, such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing these dangers and how to avoid them can prevent more mesothelioma cases.

Asbestos is one of the fibrous minerals which were used extensively throughout the 20th century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature made it popular among manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by scientists, leading to its removal. People who have been exposed to asbestos while at work are at the highest risk for mesothelioma. These people include miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and railroad workers, installers auto makers, ship builders and those who handled or wore clothing that was contaminated with asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos law fibers settle in the lung's lining (the pleura), where they become irritated and eventually develop tumors. Symptoms typically take years to show up however, by the time they do mesothelioma is already in advanced. It can be a sign of chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs can be an indication.

Mesothelioma results from cancerous cell mutations. These are caused by asbestos exposure, but many researchers believe that a person's genes are also a major factor. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome Three which causes mesothelioma studying mesothelioma epidemics in two U.S. families with Swiss origins. The mutation was discovered in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.

Genetics is only one aspect of the equation for mesothelioma however, it's an essential one. Only a small percentage of people who have suffered from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests a person's genetics are also at play. Most mesothelioma patients have mutated tumor suppressing genes. As the 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 require greater caution about asbestos exposure and will require regular screening for mesothelioma signs.