Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissue that lines the chest wall, lungs abdomen and other organs. Patients who develop this cancer usually had jobs that exposed them to asbestos.

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

Occupational Exposure

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties prior to when it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled asbestos whether they mined it or handled it in factories, are at risk of mesothelioma. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma symptoms generally don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos. For this reason, the majority of mesothelioma cases are linked to occupational asbestos exposure.

When asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. The fibers can penetrate the thin layer of tissue which surrounds organs. This layer is known as mesothelium, and it is prone to developing mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma that is pleural, and develops around the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal mesothelioma, forming in the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, that develops around the heart.

Mesothelioma may also form in other areas of the body, if asbestos is ingested or inhaled less frequently. It can occur in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the abdominal cavity's lining (pericardial mesothelioma). It is difficult to determine if the mesothelioma resulted from occupational exposure, or a different cause.

Some individuals with mesothelioma have contracted the disease via contact with asbestos from the outside. This is often called take-home exposure, and occurs when asbestos is found on clothing worn by workers 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 shown that the use of a similar asbestos known as erionite increases the risk of mesothelioma for those living near erionite deposits.

Other factors that can increase the risk of mesothelioma include certain medical treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can harm mesothelium, causing mesothelioma. However they do not make up a large percentage of cases.

Secondhand Exposure

A number of other factors can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, history of radiation therapy for the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation. A mesothelioma-related family history can increase the chance of contracting the disease. However, asbestos remains the main cause of mesothelioma.

People who work directly with asbestos are at 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 often breathe in tiny asbestos fibers when they tear or damage the material. The asbestos fibers can end up in the lining of the stomach, lungs and heart. The asbestos may remain in the body for a long time and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers to grow.

Inhaling and swallowing these fibers may result in peritoneal, pleural or other forms of mesothelioma. The symptoms can appear anywhere between 30 and 50 years after exposure. 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 this cancer. It is believed that the risk for this form of mesothelioma diminishes after a person's asbestos exposure ends. However, the risk of peritoneal mesothelioma continues to rise even after exposure to asbestos has ended.

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

Workers who handled or inhale asbestos were the main group who developed mesothelioma. However, a few people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have no previous occupational exposure to asbestos. They were exposed to asbestos by other methods. For example, many women with husbands who worked with asbestos brought home stray asbestos fibers on their clothing and skin. Those who were exposed to the polio vaccine during the 1950s and 1960s were found to be at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma too due to the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

While asbestos case is the most common mesothelioma cause but there are a variety of other factors that may contribute to the development of. This may include the person's gender, age or genetics. People with a genetic predisposition or health issues are more at risk for developing mesothelioma than those who don't.

The exposure to asbestos in the workplace is responsible 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 people with mesothelioma did not work directly with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when someone lives with someone who was exposed to asbestos legal and breathed in asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is common among spouses of those who worked with asbestos.

Mesothelioma symptoms often develop over time and can differ based on the type of mesothelioma a person is suffering from. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of their risks and talk to a doctor if they are experiencing any unusual or worrying symptoms.

Asbestos exposure can cause three types of mesothelioma: Pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. The lungs are affected by pleural mesothelioma, and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as the pericardial. The most frequent mesothelioma is pleural and typically develops in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can develop in the abdominal cavity.

Researchers have discovered that other substances can cause mesothelioma too. 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 also cause mesothelioma.

The study of the causes of mesothelioma may help doctors diagnose more accurately and speedily. Patients with mesothelioma can receive treatment earlier and better their outcomes. It is also crucial to understand other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the near future. The use of talcum may increase the risk of women developing peritoneal cancer. By educating the public on mesothelioma, we can decrease the number of patients diagnosed with the disease. This is particularly important as mesothelioma symptoms can be delayed for up to 50 years.

Genetics

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

Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that were utilized extensively throughout the 20th century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its durability and fire resistance made it popular with manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by researchers, resulting in its phase out. People who were exposed to asbestos claim while at work are at the greatest risk for mesothelioma. This includes miners factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers and auto manufacturers, ship builders and others who handled or wore clothing contaminated with asbestos.

Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lining of the lungs (the pleura), where they become irritation and eventually grow into tumors. The signs typically take a long time to manifest, but by the time they do mesothelioma is already in advanced. The symptoms include breathing difficulties and chest pain, or heaviness and fluid buildup in the lungs.

Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. These are due to asbestos exposure, but many researchers believe that a person's genes are also a major factor. Researchers found a gene called BAP 1, which is located on the short arm chromosome 3, which causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene while studying epidemics of mesothelioma in two U.S. family with Swiss descent. Each person in the family who developed mesothelioma was affected by this mutation.

Genetics is just one component of the mesothelioma equation however, it's an essential one. Only a small percentage of those who suffer from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests a person's genes are also in play. Tumor suppressing genes appear to be mutated in most mesothelioma sufferers. As research continues, these genes will be examined and understood better to prevent further mesothelioma cases from occurring. It is also likely that those with a genetic predisposition will have to be more cautious about asbestos exposure and will require regular screening for mesothelioma signs.