Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin that lines the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the time and intensity of asbestos exposure.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma might wonder how they got it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them find out where they may have been exposed to asbestos.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an unusual type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the tummy (peritoneum). It is mainly related to asbestos exposure and it can take anywhere from 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is very rare, affecting only one out of 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is made up of tough and microscopic fibers. It was used in the production of hundreds of products for commercial, industrial and residential applications including drywall, pipes tiles, adhesives and cement. The kind of asbestos that is most often associated with mesothelioma is called Chrysotile asbestos. People who worked with asbestos on a daily basis are at greatest risk, especially those who were exposed to asbestos in their work environments, such as shipyard workers, construction workers as well as asbestos manufacturers, and those who handled asbestos in the form of mixed or removed. Men are more likely than women to have worked in jobs that exposed them to asbestos, and this could be the reason why more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma your doctor will look at the history of your condition and possibly determine your diagnosis using a variety of instruments. This could include a physical exam including chest x-rays, and lung function testing. You will be asked about your family, work and your cultural background. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert.
You'll need to be referred by your GP, but the referral process can vary depending on where you live.
There are many variables that could affect the treatment options you have.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early diagnosis can improve your odds of survival and allow you to receive the treatment you require. Speak to your GP when you experience any symptoms. They can arrange for you to see an expert and refer you to the best mesothelioma hospital. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you find a treatment that is appropriate for you.
2. Infections Viral
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the linings that surround different organs. It is most commonly found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but can also occur in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). In the UK more than 2,700 patients are diagnosed annually with mesothelioma. It's not a cureable cancer however treatment can help to manage symptoms.
The primary reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The fire- and heat-resistant mineral was used to create a variety building and construction materials until it was banned in the year 1970. Workers who handled or removed these materials, like electricians, miners, plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older houses, are at high risk of exposure.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma via inhalation or swallowing small fibers of the substance. The fibers then can penetrate the mesothelium and create an enlargement. Typically, these tumors are malignant, and they can be spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically do not manifest until a long time after exposure. They include shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as abdominal pain. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should tell their doctor about their asbestos exposure history. They should also ask to be referred to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as environmental and chemical factors play a part in mesothelioma. Some of these factors may act as cocarcinogens, which are substances that increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown viruses, such as the SV40 could be linked with mesothelioma. Some research suggests that talcum which is more frequently used by women than men, could be a contributing factor to mesothelioma.
More research is required to understand the causes of mesothelioma. As more information is uncovered, doctors will be able provide better treatment options to decrease the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most common cause but it is vital to be aware of other asbestos-related risks as well. This can improve patient outcomes and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are a part of our everyday lives and are used for production in a variety of industries. Industrial development and the demand for diverse goods and services has led to an increase in the use of chemical. This has had a negative impact on the environment and safety of workers, especially for those who work with chemicals or come in contact with them on a regular basis.
Chemicals can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. After a chemical is in the body, it can be less or more toxic depending on the way it is processed by the liver. Carbon tetrachloride, a chemical that is old solvent that could cause damage to the liver. Once ingested, some chemicals are broken down by the body into safer substances. This process is referred to as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals may cause cancer and other health problems. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer is a disease that affects the linings and linings of organs and other structures in the body. Mesothelioma usually develops following exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a combination of the two called biphasic mesothelioma. Symptoms are typically seen in the lungs and chest wall but they may also be seen in the abdomen and the heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't show up for between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do show up it is important to seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma by a specialist, not an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are familiar with the kinds of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma and can accurately diagnose the disease by analyzing an individual's history of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos don't know they are at risk of developing mesothelioma or their physician does not think mesothelioma is a valid diagnosis due to their exposure background. A family member with mesothelioma is at an increased risk of developing the cancer. It is essential to talk to a mesothelioma doctor regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health problems you might be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Researchers have discovered that certain genes can increase a person's mesothelioma-related risk. People with a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma even after minimal exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease of the mesothelium (the tissue that covers the majority of internal organs), is a cancerous disease. Asbestos fibers can pierce this layer of thin tissue, and as time passes the sharp edges disturb the cell's genetic balance. Cells that aren't in right balance could duplicate themselves and out of control, creating clusters of abnormal cells. These clumps can develop into tumors that over time affect surrounding tissues and organs.
There are other causes of mesothelioma, including asbestos exposure. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma after exposure to minerals like silica or erionite. Some have developed mesothelioma after contact with a paint additive called asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past to shield metal pipes. Other asbestos-based products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation in chromosome 3 can also lead to mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by an alteration in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene regulates the channel that moves calcium within cells. If this gene is altered the calcium levels decrease which can increase the risk of developing cancer for a person from asbestos and other carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering in some families which includes those who have no known occupational asbestos exposure. Family members affected carry a BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma connection, all affected members carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover what causes mesothelioma. The more information doctors possess the better able they are to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Recognizing factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma in an individual can help in preventing.
Many of the risk factors for mesothelioma, like smoking and family history, can be altered. However, some of the risk factors are indefinite. Despite joliet asbestos attorneys that asbestos exposure has been reduced thanks to the bans on asbestos, mesothelioma cases are increasing across the world. This is probably because environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that males are more likely to be employed in jobs that require asbestos exposure. Also, because wives of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos on the clothing of their husbands.