Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin membrane covering the abdomen or chest. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma, and the risk increases with the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma could be wondering what caused it. A mesothelioma attorney can help them find out where they may have been exposed to asbestos.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the linings of the stomach or lungs (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively associated with asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer, and is extremely rare, affecting only one out of 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is composed of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used in thousands of industrial, commercial and household products like drywall, insulation, pipes tiles, glues, tiles and cement. The most common kind of asbestos that is linked to mesothelioma, called chrysotile, is chrysotile. The highest risk is posed by those who are exposed to asbestos every day, such as shipyard workers, construction employees asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle, mix or remove asbestos. Men are more likely than women to have worked in jobs that exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will review your medical history and use a variety of tools to identify mesothelioma. This includes a physical examination including chest x-rays, and lung function testing. You will be asked about your family, work and cultural history. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert.
The number of referrals you receive will depend on the location you are in.
It may take some time to find a specialist, and there are a variety of factors that can impact your treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma However, early detection can improve your odds of survival and help you get the treatment you require. If you have any symptoms, speak to your GP. They can arrange for you to see an expert and refer you to the top mesothelioma treatment center. They will conduct a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you in determining the right treatment for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the linings that surround different organs. It is most commonly found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but can also occur in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2,700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. The cancer is not curable, but treatment can control symptoms.
Exposure to asbestos is the single most important factor in mesothelioma. The fire-resistant and heat-resistant mineral was used in a variety of construction and building materials prior to its ban in the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed the materials, including electricians, miners plumbers, insulators and plumbers pipefitters and remodelers of older houses, are at risk of exposure.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma through inhalation or swallowing tiny pieces of the substance. The fibers then can penetrate mesothelium, causing a tumor. These tumors can be malignant and can spread to other parts of.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until years after exposure. They may include shortness of breath or chest pain as well as abdominal distress. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should tell their doctor about their asbestos exposure history. They should also ask for an appointment with mesothelioma specialists for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as environmental and chemical factors play a part in mesothelioma. Certain of these elements could act as cocarcinogens - chemicals that increase the cancer causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown that viruses, including the SV40 virus, could be associated with mesothelioma. Some research suggests that talcum, a substance more commonly used by women than men may contribute to mesothelioma.
To better understand the causes of Mesothelioma, more research is required. As more information is discovered, doctors will be able provide better treatment options to reduce the number of cases. Although asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause, it is important to be aware of other risks. This will improve the outcomes for patients and help prevent mesothelioma forming in the first place.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are a part of everyday life and are used in many industries to produce. Industrial development and the need for a variety of products and services has resulted in an increase in the use of chemicals. This has impacted the environment and worker safety particularly for those who work with chemicals or are in contact with them on a regular basis.
There are a number of ways that people can be exposed to chemicals such as ingestion, inhalation, and contact with the skin. Once a chemical has been taken into the body, it can be less or more toxic depending on the way it is processed by the liver. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent which can cause damage to the liver. Once ingested the body may break down certain chemicals into safer substances. This process is called metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals could cause cancer and other health problems. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects the organs' linings as well as other body structures. Mesothelioma is most often seen following exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can result in pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a combination of both, referred to as biphasic mesothelioma. The symptoms typically manifest in the chest wall and lungs, but can also appear in the abdomen or heart.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't manifest for a period of 20 to 60 years after initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do begin to manifest, it is important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis from a specialist instead of a general oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are knowledgeable about the types of asbestos that can cause mesothelioma. They can identify the disease by analyzing an individual's exposure history.
Some people who have been in contact with asbestos are not aware that they could be at risk of developing the disease. Also, their doctor may not be able to diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of their past. A family member with mesothelioma is more at risk for developing the cancer. It is important to talk with a mesothelioma expert about your asbestos exposure and any health issues you may be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been identified to increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. People who have a genetic defect may develop mesothelioma even after minimal asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium- the tissue that covers most internal organs. Asbestos fibers can penetrate the thin layer of tissue, and with time the sharp edges disrupt the cell's genetic balance. kansas city asbestos lawsuit that have an imbalanced balance can expand out of control and reproduce themselves creating clumps. These clumps may become tumors that over time affect organs and tissues around them.
Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma trigger, but other causes exist. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals such as silica or erionite. Some have developed mesothelioma following contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. In the past asbestos paint was used to protect pipes made of metal. Other asbestos-based products include shingles as well as fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation on chromosome3 can cause mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene controls the channel that transports calcium within cells. When this gene is affected, calcium levels fall which increases the risk of developing cancer due to carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering in certain families, including those with no occupational asbestos exposure. The affected family members have a BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link that was affected by all members had the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover the causes of mesothelioma. The more knowledge doctors have the better equipped they are to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Finding factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person can also help with prevention.
Smoking and family history are two of the risk factors that can be altered. Certain risk factors, however, are permanent. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has decreased due to its ban, mesothelioma continues to be growing in the number of cases around the world. This is likely due to environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is because men are more likely to work in occupations which expose them to asbestos and because the wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to asbestos by their husbands' clothing.