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 usually exposed to asbestos during their work.
Asbestos is a group of minerals that create strong microscopically-sized fibers. It was used in the manufacture of automotive and construction products, as it is resistant to fire, heat and water.
Occupational Exposure
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was extensively used for its fireproof properties prior to when it was banned. Mesothelioma is a risk for people who have worked with asbestos. The people who are at the highest risk are those who were exposed to large quantities of microscopic asbestos fibers for extended durations of time. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until decades after asbestos exposure. The majority of mesothelioma is linked to occupational exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in and swallowed when disturbed. These fibers may reach the thin tissue layer that surrounds organs. This layer is known as mesothelium, and it is prone to developing mesothelioma cancerous tumors. Pleural mesothelioma develops around the lungs and is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma. Other mesothelioma forms are pericardial and peritoneal. They are formed in the abdomen.
It could also occur in other parts of your body when you inhale or ingest asbestos in smaller amounts. It can occur in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and the lining of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually occurs as a result of mesothelium damage and it's difficult to determine whether it was caused by exposure to occupational radiation or a different cause.
Some people with mesothelioma developed the disease through contact with secondhand sources. This is often called take-home exposure. It occurs when asbestos is brought home on clothing worn by workers or equipment. In these instances families usually clean and wash the clothes of workers and equipment, which results in greater exposure than would otherwise be expected. Some studies have shown that the use of an asbestos similar to erionite increases the risk of developing mesothelioma among those living close to the deposits of erionite.
Other factors that may increase the risk of mesothelioma include certain medical treatments, like radiation and chemotherapy. These treatments can damage mesothelium, which can cause mesothelioma. However they do not 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 to the chest area and exposure through secondhand sources. A mesothelioma family history may also increase the risk of contracting the disease. But asbestos is still the most common mesothelioma cause.
People who work directly with asbestos are at the greatest chance of developing mesothelioma. This is especially relevant for those employed in the manufacturing, construction shipbuilding, asbestos mining industries. The asbestos-related workers often inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or disturb the material. The fibers can be found in the linings of the stomach, lungs and the heart. The asbestos fibers may remain in the body and cause malignant mesothelioma tumours.
Inhaling or swallowing these contaminated fibers could lead to mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot and other forms of the disease. The symptoms can appear anywhere between 30 to 50 years after exposure. In order to diagnose mesothelioma, doctors must first rule out other conditions that could be causing the patient's symptoms.
Exposure to asbestos is known to cause pleural mesothelioma the most prevalent form of cancer. After asbestos exposure the chance of developing this kind of mesothelioma is believed to decrease. However, the risk of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region continues to increase even after exposure to asbestos has ended.
Asbestos is comprised of six metamorphic fibrous mineral that are naturally occurring. It is resistant to fire and heat and highly durable, which made it a sought-after material for commercial, industrial and military uses throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was widely used from the end of World War II through to the mid 1970s. It was most commonly found in ship, buildings as well as in automobile parts and insulation.
Workers who used to handle asbestos, or inhale it, were the most likely group to have diagnosed mesothelioma. However, some people have been diagnosed with mesothelioma but have no occupational history of exposure to the mineral. These people were exposed through other ways. Women with husbands who worked with asbestos would bring home asbestos fibers from their clothing or skin. The people who received the polio vaccine during the 1950s and 1960s have been found to be at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to the contamination of the polio vaccine with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
While asbestos is the main mesothelioma trigger but there are a variety of other factors that may contribute to the development of. This could include gender, age, or genetics. People who have a predisposition to mesothelioma, or other health problems are at a higher risk than those without.
Most cases of mesothelioma are the result of asbestos exposure in the workplace. The most risk is for workers who have been exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time for example, mine or shipyard workers. A lot of people with mesothelioma did not directly interact with asbestos. The risk of exposure to asbestos can be exacerbated when people live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and breathed asbestos fibers. This type of exposure is usually in the spouses of asbestos workers.
Mesothelioma-related symptoms usually occur over time and differ based on the type of mesothelioma a person is suffering from. It is essential for everyone to be aware of the risks and speak to a doctor if they are experiencing any unusual or worrying symptoms.
Asbestos exposure can lead to three types of mesothelioma namely the pericardial, peritoneal and pleural. The lung is affected by mesothelioma pleural, and organs in the abdominal cavity are affected by peritoneal as well as the pericardial. The most common mesothelioma is pleural and typically forms in the lungs. However, Reading asbestos attorneys and peritoneal cancers can develop in the abdominal cavity.
Researchers have discovered that other substances can also cause mesothelioma. Radiation therapy and erionite (a mineral similar in appearance to asbestos) are among the chemicals that can cause mesothelioma. A virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder can also cause mesothelioma.
Research into the causes of mesothelioma helps doctors make diagnoses faster and precisely. This allows patients with mesothelioma to receive treatment earlier and improve their outcomes. It is also vital to understanding other mesothelioma risk factors to help prevent more mesothelioma cases in the future. For example the use of talcum powder can result in more women developing peritoneal mesothelioma. By educating people about mesothelioma, we can decrease the number of patients diagnosed with cancer. This is especially important since mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for as long as 50 years.
Genetics
If you've been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Early treatment provides patients with the best prognosis. While asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma but research continues to identify other risk factors like talcum powder and SV40. Understanding these risks and avoiding them can help prevent the development of more mesothelioma cases.
Asbestos is an asbestos group of mineral fibers fibrous that was extensively used throughout the 20th century for industrial, commercial and even military applications. Its strength and fire-resistant characteristics has made it a popular choice for manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became evident and were documented by researchers, leading to its phase out. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among those who were exposed to asbestos during their work. This includes miners factory workers asbestos insulation producers and railroad workers, installers and auto makers, ship builders and those who worked with or wore clothes that was contaminated with asbestos.
Inhaled asbestos fibers settle in the lung's lining (the pleura) and are irritated and eventually develop tumors. Symptoms typically take years to show up however, by the time they do mesothelioma has already advanced. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain or heaviness, as well as fluid buildup in the lung.
Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations in cells. They are caused by asbestos exposure, but many researchers believe that a person's genes are also a major factor. Researchers have discovered a gene named BAP 1, which is located on the short arm chromosome 3 that causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene through studying mesothelioma outbreaks in two U.S. family with Swiss origins. The gene mutation was found in every member of the family who had mesothelioma.
Genetics is only one component of the mesothelioma enigma, but it is a crucial one. Only a small percentage of people who experience asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, which suggests a person's genes may also be in play. Most mesothelioma patients have mutated tumor suppressing genes. As the research continues, these genes will be examined and understood better to prevent further mesothelioma developing. It is possible that those who have a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma may also need to be more vigilant about asbestos exposure, and will require regular screening for signs.