Mesothelioma Causes - What Causes Mesothelioma Besides Asbestos?
Almost all cases of mesothelioma are linked to exposure to asbestos. This is true whether the exposure occurred in the workplace or at home.
Inhaled asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma in the chest that is malignant and lung lining (pleura). Asbestos fibers can also get stuck in the abdomen the lining (peritoneum) and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.
Smoking
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, has few known causes. Researchers have identified risk factors that can increase a person’s chance of developing mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that a previous history or asbestos exposure and a family history can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can be found in the tissues that cover the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or in the lining that surrounds the chest cavity. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are related to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was employed in industrial applications due to its strength and resistance to heat. Asbestos-containing products were utilized in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and a variety of other fields before people realized asbestos could cause cancer. Asbestos is also used in pipes, heating systems and insulation. Estimates indicate that millions of people have been exposed to asbestos, but did not realize it. A large portion of those exposed to asbestos were working in shipyards, factories power plants mining, construction and other industries. Some of these workers carried asbestos fibers home with them on their clothing hair, skin and clothing. This was known as secondary exposure. Families of asbestos-exposed workers frequently consumed the fibers that their loved ones had brought home on clothing, tools, or hair. People who worked in specialized areas, like plumbers and painters were more likely to bring asbestos home on their bodies and on equipment.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that can develop between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous minerals and when it's disturbed it releases tiny hair-like fibers which can cause irritation to the lung's lining, or the stomach. These irritations may trigger gene mutations that can cause cancer. Pleural mesothelioma is a lung cancer and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen's lining and is less common than pleural mesothelioma.
Although smoking cigarettes doesn't cause mesothelioma, it can cause symptoms for patients to become more severe and reduce their quality of life. A doctor can assist patients quit smoking and determine the right treatment for their symptoms.
Erionite exposure
Mesothelioma refers to cancer of the tissue that lines the lungs stomach, heart, and other organs. Most often, it's caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that's used in many industries. Certain sufferers have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other minerals. One of them is erionite, which is a form of Zeolite. mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what is found in mineable deposits in the west of the United States. Erionite is ingested and inhaled by workers.
Researchers have examined the link between mesothelioma and erionite exposure. In one study, researchers examined a group of 21 rats exposed to erionite as well as the control group. The erionite-exposed group was exposed through inhalation, intrapleural administration and a placebo. The erionite-exposure group showed higher rates of mesothelioma than the control group. The groups exposed to erionite had higher rates of interstitial fibrous sclerosis which can cause to lung function issues and reduce the survival of patients.
This study shows that erionite exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma, as also interstitial fibrosis and other pleural diseases. It is important to recognize these risks so that employees can take appropriate precautions.
Mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because symptoms are not always apparent. They usually show up slowly and become worse over time. A lot of people experience a mix of symptoms, including breathlessness (dyspnea) abdominal pain, and fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion).
A chest X-ray can detect the presence of mesothelioma. Doctors will test a sample of tissue to confirm the diagnosis. Mesothelioma is typically classified as biphasic. This means that the cancer has both epithelioid, and sarcomatoid, cells. The most common mesothelioma epithelioid is the one that is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, on contrary, has a poorer prognosis.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, however, treatment can prolong the life span and improve quality of life for patients. There are a variety of treatments available which include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. If you or someone you know has mesothelioma or a tumor, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Radiation Therapy
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. Exposure can occur at work or in homes. The most common cause of asbestos-related mesothelioma is occupational exposure. However, it can also be caused by environmental or secondhand exposure.
Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that are often used in building materials and insulation. It is a toxic material and could lead to serious health problems including mesothelioma. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma is increased depending on the duration and the intensity of exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos exposure is usually related to work in construction, mining or shipbuilding. Workers who are exposed to asbestos-containing materials in the workplace can take in or swallow asbestos fibers. The asbestos fibers will then adhere to the lining of your organs of the body, and can lead to irritation and eventually cancer.
Scientists believe asbestos is the cause of mesothelioma since it causes irritation to healthy mesothelium cells. It can take anywhere from 15 to 50 years for mesothelioma to grow after being exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can also lead to genetic mutations that may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
The majority of people diagnosed with mesothelioma believed to have been exposed to asbestos. About 80percent of cases are related to asbestos exposure in the workplace, and a smaller number of cases are caused by secondary or environmental contact. Secondary exposure occurs when employees bring asbestos into their homes, either on their clothing or equipment. Secondhand exposure is a major factor in mesothelioma cases. This exposure can be from the husband's asbestos exposure.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, it's essential to report your exposure to a doctor. This will allow you to receive the right treatment and avoid a misdiagnosis. Mesothelioma specialists can conduct scans of imaging blood tests, scans and other tests to determine whether there is mesothelioma. If they suspect that you are suffering from this rare cancer, they will refer you to another doctor to conduct further tests. It is crucial to receive an accurate diagnosis since it can improve your prognosis, and increase the chances of a successful treatment.
Genetics
Mesothelioma happens when cancerous cells are formed in the organ's lining. The cells may spread from one region to another, causing them to grow into tumors. Smoking and exposure to asbestos are two risk factors that can increase the chances of developing mesothelioma. A person's family history of mesothelioma can also increase the chance of developing the condition.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that have tiny microscopic fibers. These fibers are resistant to fire and heat which makes them valuable in numerous industries. In the United States asbestos is mined for use in shingles, brakes and floor tiles, as well as insulation. Typically, people develop mesothelioma after working with asbestos-contaminated materials or breathing in the particles that get released into the air. The exposure to asbestos through the air is also a risk. People who live with or work with asbestos-exposed workers may be exposed to asbestos dust that is deposited on their clothing and their families, putting them at risk of developing mesothelioma as well.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the affected body part. Those who have pleural mesothelioma may experience coughing and difficulty breathing or chest pain, as well as an airway lump. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma could experience abdominal pain, swelling, and weight loss. X-rays are used to identify mesothelioma caused by the ingestion of fibers of asbestos. Patients suffering from this kind of mesothelioma often are misdiagnosed, since the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.
It could take up to 60 years after exposure to cause mesothelioma to develop. It is important to inform your doctor if you have a history of asbestos exposure. The doctor may then suggest testing for mesothelioma.
The research continues to find out what causes mesothelioma other than asbestos. If more information becomes available it will be much easier for doctors to recognize mesothelioma and treat it effectively. This will enhance the outcomes for patients, since early treatment can lead to a longer lifespan. There are other risk factors for this disease that can be a factor, like a genetic predisposition and exposure to radiation. Knowing these risk factors will help doctors to spot mesothelioma earlier in the process, and help prevent it from growing or becoming fatal.