Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissue that lines the chest wall, lungs abdomen and other organs. People who get this cancer usually worked on jobs that exposed them to asbestos.
Asbestos is composed of minerals that make up a group of strong and microscopic fibres. It was used in the manufacture of automobile and construction materials as it is invulnerable to fire, heat and water.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used extensively for its fireproof properties before it was banned in the 1970s. The people who worked with asbestos whether they mined it or worked with 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 tiny asbestos fibers for prolonged periods of time. Mesothelioma is usually not diagnosed until a long time after asbestos exposure. The majority of mesothelioma cases are linked to occupational exposure to asbestos.
If asbestos is disturbed, its tiny fibers are released into the air and can be breathed in or swallowed. The fibers can penetrate the thin tissue layer that surrounds organs. This layer is called the mesothelium. It can also develop mesothelioma-related cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is called mesothelioma pleural that develops around the lung. Other mesothelioma forms are peritoneal and pericardial. They are formed in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma can also occur in other areas of the body when asbestos is inhaled or ingested with smaller amounts. It may occur in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). It's difficult to determine if the mesothelioma is the result of occupational exposure, or a different cause.
Some people with mesothelioma developed the disease from secondhand contact. It is sometimes called take-home exposure. It happens when asbestos is ingested on workers' clothing or equipment. In these situations workers' clothing is often washed and cleaned by families, resulting in a greater exposure than anticipated. Certain studies have demonstrated that the use of asbestos that is similar to erionite can increase the risk of developing mesothelioma among those living near the deposits of erionite.
Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can damage the mesothelium and lead to mesothelioma, however they do not account for a large proportion of cases.
Secondhand Exposure
A number of other factors can increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, history of radiation therapy to the chest and secondhand exposure. A family history of the disease may also increase an individual's risk. However, asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among asbestos-related workers. This is especially relevant for those employed in the construction, manufacturing shipbuilding, asbestos mining industries. Workers who work with asbestos frequently inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they tear or damage the material. The asbestos fibers can end up in the linings of the stomach, lungs and heart. The asbestos fibers can remain in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Inhaling or swallowing these harmful fibers can lead to mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and other types of the disease. Symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to appear. To determine if mesothelioma is a cancer doctors must first rule out other conditions which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this cancer. After exposure to asbestos the chance of developing this form of mesothelioma is believed to decrease. However, the risk for peritoneal mesothelioma continues to rise even after exposure to asbestos has been ended.
Asbestos is a class of six naturally occurring metamorphic minerals that are fibrous. It is impervious to heat and fire and is extremely robust, which made it a sought-after material for commercial, industrial and military uses throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily employed from the time of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was most commonly found in buildings, ships as well as in automobile parts and insulation.
Workers who handled asbestos or inhale it were the most likely group to have developed mesothelioma. However, there are some who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but have no previous occupational exposure to asbestos. These people were exposed through other methods. Women whose husbands worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers from their clothing or skin. Those who received the polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s have been shown to be at a higher risk for mesothelioma as well because of the contamination of the polio vaccine asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma but there are a variety of other factors that may play a role. This could include age, gender, or genetics. People who have an inherited predisposition or other health problems are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who are not.
The majority of mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure in the workplace. The most risk is for people who have been exposed to asbestos over an extended period of time, such as mine or shipyard workers. However, many of those with mesothelioma didn't directly work with asbestos. Secondhand exposure can also occur when people live with a person who worked with asbestos and breathe in asbestos fibers. This kind of exposure is usually in the spouses of asbestos workers.
The symptoms of mesothelioma may become more apparent as time passes, and they may differ depending on the type of cancer a person is. It is important for everyone to be aware of their risk and consult a physician if they are experiencing any unusual or alarming symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can lead to three kinds of mesothelioma: Pericardial, peritoneal, and pleural. Pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma affects organs in the abdomen, and mesothelioma pericardial is found around the heart. The most common mesothelioma is pleural, and usually forms in the lungs. However, peritoneal mesothelioma can be found in the abdominal cavity and mesothelioma pericardial forms in the lining of the heart.
Researchers have discovered that different substances can cause mesothelioma too. This includes erionite, which is a mineral similar to asbestos, and radiation therapy. A virus, known as SV40, and certain types talcum powder may also cause mesothelioma.
The study of the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors diagnose more accurately and speedily. Patients suffering from mesothelioma can receive treatment earlier and improve their results. It is also essential to know the mesothelioma risks of other factors so that we can to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the near future. For example the use of talcum powder can cause more women to develop peritoneal mesothelioma. We can cut down on the number diagnosed with cancer by educating people about mesothelioma. This is particularly important as mesothelioma symptoms can be delayed for as long as 50 years.
Genetics
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma you should consult a specialist. Early treatment can give patients the best chance of surviving. Research continues to uncover additional risk factors, including talcum and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them will prevent more mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos is a group of mineral fibers with fibrous structure which was extensively used throughout the 20th century in industrial, commercial and even military applications. Its strength and fire resistance was a major draw for manufacturers. Researchers documented the dangers and established that asbestos was dangerous. The phase-out of asbestos followed. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. These include miners factory workers, asbestos insulation installers. They also include shipbuilders, railroad employees, automakers, and railroad workers.
Inhaling asbestos fibers can settle in the lung's lining (the pleura) which is where they get inflamed and then develop into tumors. The symptoms typically take years to appear but by the time they show, mesothelioma is already advanced. The symptoms can include chest pain, heaviness, or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can be an indication.
Beaumont asbestos attorneys is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos is a major factor however, they believe that genes play a role. Researchers discovered a gene known as BAP 1, located on the short arm of chromosome 3 that causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene after studying epidemics of mesothelioma in two U.S. families with Swiss origins. The mutation in the gene was discovered in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.
Genetics is only one aspect of the mesothelioma equation, but it's an important one. A small proportion of people who experience asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma which suggests that the person's genes may also be in play. Tumor suppressing genes seem to be altered in the majority mesothelioma patients. As research continues the genes will be investigated and analyzed more thoroughly to stop more mesothelioma developing. It is also possible that those who have a genetic predisposition need to be more careful about exposure to asbestos and will need regular screening for mesothelioma signs.