Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
The tissue that lines the lungs as well as other organs may develop mesothelioma. Those who develop this cancer are typically exposed to asbestos through their jobs.
Asbestos is minerals that make up a group of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used to create automobile and construction materials because it is impervious to fire, heat and water.
Workplace Exposure
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was widely used due to its fireproof properties before it was banned. Workers who handled asbestos regardless of whether they mined it or handled it in factories are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Anchorage asbestos attorney is for those who have been exposed to large amounts of asbestos' microscopic fibers over a prolonged period of time. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until decades after asbestos exposure. This is why the majority of mesothelioma cases are attributed to occupational asbestos exposure.
When asbestos is disturbed its tiny fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers may reach the thin tissue layer which surrounds organs. This layer, known as the mesothelium can grow into mesothelioma-like cancerous tumors. Pleural mesothelioma forms around the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma type. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal and pericardial. They develop in the abdomen.
Mesothelioma can also develop in other areas of the body when asbestos is ingested or inhaled with smaller amounts. It can be found in the lining of the testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the lining of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). It is difficult to determine whether the mesothelioma is the result of occupational exposure, or some other cause.
Some people with mesothelioma developed the disease after exposure to secondhand sources. Take-home exposure occurs when asbestos is brought home by workers on their clothing or equipment. In these situations families usually wash and clean the clothing of workers, which leads to a greater exposure than would otherwise be expected. Some studies have shown that the use of asbestos similar to erionite increases the risk of developing mesothelioma for those who live near erionite deposits.
The use of chemotherapy and radiation is also medical treatments that may increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. These treatments can harm mesothelium, causing mesothelioma. However they don't account for a large 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 secondhand exposure. A family history of mesothelioma can also increase a person's risk for the disease. Asbestos is the primary reason for mesothelioma.
People who work directly with asbestos are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. This is especially applicable to those working in construction, manufacturing shipbuilding, asbestos mining, and other related industries. When they damage or disturb asbestos, those who work with it typically breathe tiny asbestos fibers. The fibers may then settle in the lining around the lungs, heart and stomach. The asbestos fibers can stay in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma tumors.
Inhaling and swallowing these fibers could result in peritoneal, pleural or other mesothelioma types. The symptoms can take between 30 to 50 years to show. To determine if mesothelioma is a disease, the doctor must first rule out other medical conditions that could cause symptoms.
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma the most frequent type of this cancer. After exposure to asbestos, the chance of developing this kind of mesothelioma is thought to decrease. However, the risk for mesothelioma peritoneal continues to rise even after the asbestos exposure has ended.
Asbestos is comprised of six metamorphic fibrous minerals that are naturally occurring. It is invulnerable to heat and fire, and extremely robust, which made it a popular material for industrial, commercial and military applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily utilized from the close of World War II through to the mid 1970s, and it was commonly used in ship, buildings, automobile parts and insulation.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among asbestos workers who have handled or breathed in asbestos. However, there are some who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but do not have a history of occupational exposure to the mineral. They were exposed by other methods. For instance, many women with husbands who employed asbestos brought home asbestos fibers on their clothing and skin. Those who received the polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s have been found to be at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma, due to the contamination of the vaccine for polio with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
Asbestos is a major reason for mesothelioma. However other factors could also be involved. These could be related to a person's age, gender or genetics. People who have a genetic predisposition or health issues are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those who don't.
Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. The highest risk is for those who have been exposed to asbestos over many years for example, shipyard or mine workers. Many mesothelioma patients did not directly work with asbestos. Second-hand exposure can occur if one lives with someone who has worked with asbestos, and breathes in asbestos fibers. This kind of exposure is usually in the spouses of asbestos workers.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can become more apparent as time passes, and they can vary depending on what type a person has. It is important for everyone to be aware of their risks and talk to a doctor if they are experiencing any unusual or alarming symptoms.
Asbestos exposure may cause three types of mesothelioma, namely abdominal, pleural and the pericardial. The lungs are affected by pleural mesothelioma and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as the pericardial. The majority of mesothelioma develops in the lung. However, peritoneal mesothelioma could develop in the abdominal cavity. pericardial mesothelioma develops in the lining surrounding the heart.
Researchers have discovered that other substances can cause mesothelioma too. This includes erionite, which is an asbestos-like mineral as well as radiation therapy. A virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder may cause mesothelioma.
The research into the causes of mesothelioma can help doctors diagnose more accurately and quickly. This allows mesothelioma sufferers to get treatment earlier and improve their results. It is also essential to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors so that we can to prevent mesothelioma cases from occurring in the near future. For instance, the use of talcum powder could lead to more women developing mesothelioma peritoneal. By educating people about mesothelioma, we can decrease the number of patients diagnosed with cancer. This is crucial because mesothelioma may have symptoms that can be delayed for up to 50 years.
Genetics
If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Early treatment is the best chance for a positive outcome. While asbestos exposure is the main mesothelioma trigger however, research continues to identify other risk factors, such as talcum powder and SV40. Knowing and avoiding these risk factors can help prevent more cases mesothelioma.
Asbestos is a group of fibrous minerals that were utilized extensively throughout the 20th century in various industrial, commercial and military applications. Its durability and fire-resistant properties has made it a popular choice for manufacturers. Researchers have documented the dangers and proved that asbestos was hazardous. Its elimination was a gradual process. People who were exposed to asbestos at work are at the greatest risk of developing mesothelioma. These include miners factory workers, asbestos insulation installers. They also include shipbuilders, railroad workers automakers, railroad workers.
As asbestos fibers inhaled settle in the lining (pleura) of the lungs, where they are affected. They eventually develop tumors. Symptoms typically take years to show up but by the time they do, mesothelioma is already advanced. It can be a sign of chest pain, heavy breathing or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is also a sign.
Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations of cells. Researchers believe that exposure to asbestos is a major factor however they believe that genes play a part. Researchers have discovered a gene referred to as BAP 1 on the short arm of chromosome 3 which causes mesothelioma studying mesothelioma epidemics in two U.S. families with Swiss ancestry. The mutation in the gene was discovered in every member of the family suffering from mesothelioma.
Genetics is just one part of the mesothelioma equation however, it's an essential one. Only a small number of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma. This suggests that genes play an important part. Tumor suppressing genes seem to be altered in the majority of mesothelioma patients. As the research continues the genes will be examined and understood more completely to prevent more mesothelioma developing. It is also possible that those who are genetically predisposed will require greater caution about exposure to asbestos and require regular screening for mesothelioma symptoms.