Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
The tissue that surrounds the lungs and other organs can develop mesothelioma. People who contract this disease usually had jobs that exposed them to asbestos.
Asbestos is one of the minerals that create strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used to create automobile and construction materials as it is invulnerable to heat, fire and water.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. Mesothelioma is a risk for those who worked with asbestos. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of asbestos fibers that were microscopic for long durations of time. Mesothelioma symptoms generally don't manifest until years after exposure to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure in the workplace.
When asbestos is disturbed its tiny fibers are released into the air and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers may reach the thin layer of tissue which surrounds organs. This layer, known as the mesothelium, can develop mesothelioma cancerous tumors. The most common mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma, forming in the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, growing around the heart.
Mesothelioma may also form in other parts of the body, if asbestos is inhaled or consumed less frequently. It can also develop in the testicular linings as well as the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma usually occurs as a result of mesothelium damage which is why it's difficult to determine whether it was caused by exposure to occupational radiation or a different cause.
Some individuals with mesothelioma have developed the disease through contact with another person. It is sometimes referred to as take-home exposure, and occurs when asbestos is brought home on clothing worn by workers or equipment. In these instances workers' clothes are frequently cleaned and washed by families, resulting in a higher exposure than anticipated. Certain studies have proven that the use of asbestos similar to erionite increases the risk of developing mesothelioma in those who live near the deposits of erionite.
Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium and cause mesothelioma. However they don't cause a significant number of cases.
Secondhand Exposure
Many other factors can increase a person's likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, a history of radiation therapy on the chest, and exposure to secondhand radiation. A family history of the disease can also increase the risk of an individual. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who work with asbestos. This is especially relevant for those employed in the manufacturing, construction shipbuilding, asbestos mining industries. When they break or disturb asbestos, people who work with it often inhale tiny fibers of asbestos. These fibers can then settle within the lining of the lungs, heart and stomach. The asbestos fibers can stay in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers.
Inhaling and swallowing these fibers may cause pleural, peritoneal, or other mesothelioma types. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to appear. In Madison asbestos attorney 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 frequent type of this cancer. After asbestos exposure the risk of developing this form of mesothelioma is thought to decrease. The risk of developing peritoneal cancer is not diminished after the asbestos exposure has been ended.
Asbestos is composed of metamorphic fibrous minerals that are found naturally. It is invulnerable to heat and fire and extremely durable, making it a sought-after material for industrial, commercial and military use throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was extensively employed from the time of World War II through to the mid 1970s. It was most commonly found in ships, buildings, automobile parts and insulation.
Mesothelioma is most common in asbestos workers who have handled or breathed in asbestos. Certain mesothelioma patients have been diagnosed even though they have no occupational history of asbestos exposure. They were exposed to the mineral through other means. For instance, many wives of husbands who worked with asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothes 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 for those who received it.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. However other factors could be involved. These could be related to a person's age, gender, or genetics. People with a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma or other health problems are at higher risk than those without.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is responsible for most mesothelioma cases. The greatest risk is for people who have been exposed to asbestos for many years for example, mine or shipyard workers. However, many of those with mesothelioma have not directly worked with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when someone lives with someone who worked with asbestos and breathed asbestos-based fibers. This type of exposure is most common among spouses of those who worked with asbestos.
Mesothelioma symptoms typically develop over time and can differ depending on the type of mesothelioma a patient has. Everyone should be aware of the dangers they are exposed to and speak with their doctor if any symptoms are alarming or unusual.
Asbestos exposure can cause three kinds of mesothelioma: pleural, peritoneal and pericardial. The lungs are affected by pleural mesothelioma while organs of the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as the pericardial. The most common mesothelioma is pleural, and usually develops in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can form in the abdominal cavity.
Researchers have discovered that other substances can cause mesothelioma too. Radiation therapy and Erionite (a mineral that is similar in appearance to asbestos) are among the chemicals that can cause mesothelioma. A virus known as SV40 and certain kinds of talcum powder can also trigger mesothelioma.
The study of the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors make diagnoses faster and precisely. This allows patients with mesothelioma to receive treatment earlier and better their outcomes. It is also vital to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the near future. For example the use of talcum powder could cause more women to develop mesothelioma peritoneal. By educating the public on mesothelioma, we can reduce the number of people who are diagnosed with the cancer. This is important because mesothelioma can have symptoms that may be delayed by up to 50 years.
Genetics
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek out a specialist. Early treatment offers the best chance of survival. Research continues to reveal other risk factors, such as talcum and SV40. Knowing the dangers and how to avoid them can prevent more mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos is an asbestos-related group of fibrous mineral fibers that was extensively used throughout the 20th Century in commercial, industrial and military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature made it popular among manufacturers. However asbestos' dangers became apparent and were well-documented by scientists, leading to its removal. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who were exposed to asbestos during their work. These people include miners, factory workers, asbestos insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad workers, ship builders, auto manufacturers and those who handled or wore clothing that was contaminated with asbestos.
As asbestos fibers inhaled settle in the lining (pleura) of the lung, where they become irritated. They then develop tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take a while to show up, however they are typically advanced by the time they appear. Symptoms can include chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. The accumulation of fluid in the lungs can be 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 can also play a role. Researchers have discovered a gene referred to as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome three that leads to mesothelioma after studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. families with Swiss origins. The mutation was discovered in every member of the family who had mesothelioma.
Genetics is just one part of the equation for mesothelioma, but it's an important one. There is a very small proportion of asbestos-related sufferers develop mesothelioma. This suggests that genes also play a role. The majority of mesothelioma patients are carriers of mutations in tumor suppressing genes. As research continues this gene will be studied and understood better to prevent further mesothelioma cases from occurring. It is possible that those who are genetically predisposed to mesothelioma may also need to be more vigilant regarding exposure to asbestos and will require regular screening for symptoms.