15 Things You Didn't Know About Causes Of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

The tissue that surrounds the lungs and other organs can develop mesothelioma. Those who develop this cancer are usually exposed to asbestos as a result of their jobs.

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

Workplace Exposure

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was extensively used for its fireproof properties before it was banned in the 1970s. People who worked with asbestos regardless of whether they mined it or worked with it in factories, are at risk of mesothelioma. The highest risk is those who have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos' microscopic fibers over a long period of time. Mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until decades after asbestos exposure. The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by occupational exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos fibers are inhaled and swallowed if disturbed. These fibers may reach the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer is known as mesothelium, and it is prone to developing cancerous mesothelioma tumors. Pleural mesothelioma is a tumor that develops around the lungs and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma, forming 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 also develop in the testicular linings as well as the abdominal cavity. It's not easy to determine whether the mesothelioma is 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 taken home by workers on their clothing or equipment. In these situations, families often wash and clean the clothing of workers which can lead to greater risk of exposure than would normally be expected. Some studies have shown that the use of an asbestos-like substance similar to erionite raises the chance of developing mesothelioma for those who live near the deposits of erionite.

Radiation and chemotherapy are also medical treatments that may increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium, causing mesothelioma. However they don't make up a large percentage of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

A number of other factors can increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetics, radiation therapy history to the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation are all factors that could increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. A mesothelioma-related family history can also increase the risk for the disease. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who work with asbestos. This is especially relevant for those employed in the construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and asbestos mining industries. The asbestos-related workers often breathe in tiny asbestos fibers when they break or alter the material. These fibers can settle in the linings of the lungs, stomach and the heart. The asbestos fibers can stay in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers could cause peritoneal, pleural, or other mesothelioma types.  Kent asbestos attorneys  can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years before they appear. To diagnose mesothelioma the doctor must first rule out any other conditions that could be causing symptoms.

Pleural mesothelioma is by far the most common form of this cancer. After asbestos exposure, the chance of developing this kind of mesothelioma is thought to decrease. The risk of peritoneal cancer is not diminished after the asbestos exposure has ended.

Asbestos is composed of metamorphic fibrous minerals that are found naturally. It is highly durable and is resistant to fire and heat which makes it a popular option for military, industrial and commercial applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was extensively used between the close of World War II and the mid-1970s. It was often found in ships, insulation, buildings and automobile parts.

Mesothelioma is a common occurrence among asbestos workers who handled or inhaled asbestos. However, there are some who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma who have no previous occupational exposure to the mineral. These individuals were exposed to asbestos by other ways. Women whose husbands worked with asbestos would bring home asbestos fibers from their skin or clothing. The asbestos contamination of polio vaccination in the 1950s and 60s has been proven to increase the risk of mesothelioma in those who received it.

Environmental Exposure

Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. However other factors may also play a role. These may include a person's age, gender, or genetics. People with a genetic predisposition or other health issues are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are not.

The exposure to asbestos in the workplace accounts for the majority of mesothelioma cases. The highest risk is for people who have been exposed to asbestos over a long period of time for example, mine or shipyard workers. Many mesothelioma patients did not directly work with asbestos. In addition, exposure through secondhand sources can occur when people live with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is usually among spouses of asbestos workers.

Mesothelioma symptoms often develop over time and can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma person has. Everyone should be aware of the dangers they are exposed to and speak with your doctor if they notice any symptoms that are alarming or unusual.

Asbestos exposure can cause three types of mesothelioma, namely abdominal, pleural and the pericardial. The lung is affected by pleural mesothelioma while organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as pericardial. The most common mesothelioma is pleural, which usually occurs in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can develop in the abdominal cavity.

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

The study of the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors identify the cause more precisely and quickly. Patients with mesothelioma can receive treatment earlier and improve their outcomes. It is also essential to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can to avoid more mesothelioma cases in the near future. For example, the use of talcum powder could cause more women to develop peritoneal mesothelioma. By educating people about mesothelioma, we can decrease the number of people diagnosed with cancer. This is especially important since mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma you should consult a specialist. Early treatment can give patients the best prognosis. While asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma but research continues to uncover other risk factors such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing the risks and avoiding them will stop mesothelioma cases from occurring.

Asbestos is an asbestos-related group of mineral fibers fibrous which was extensively used throughout the 20th century in industrial, commercial and even military applications. Its strength and fire resistance made it popular with manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became evident and were documented by researchers, leading to its phase out. Mesothelioma is most common in people who were exposed to asbestos while at work. These people include miner factory workers, miner's workers and asbestos insulation installers. They also include shipbuilders, railroad employees automakers, railroad workers.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura) and are irritated and eventually develop tumors. The symptoms typically take years to manifest but when they do mesothelioma has already advanced. It can be a sign of chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. Fluid buildup in the lungs is also an indication.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. They are caused by asbestos exposure, but many researchers believe that the genes of a person also play an important role. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1, which is located on the short arm chromosome 3, that causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene while studying epidemics of mesothelioma in two U.S. families with Swiss descent. The mutation was discovered in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.

Genetics is only one aspect of the mesothelioma puzzle, but it's an important one. A small percentage of asbestos-related sufferers develop mesothelioma. This suggests that genes also play an important role. Most mesothelioma patients have mutated tumor suppressing genes. As the research continues the genes will be examined and understood better to prevent further mesothelioma cases from occurring. It is also likely that those who are genetically predisposed will have to be more cautious about exposure to asbestos and require regular screening for mesothelioma symptoms.