Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos Mesothelioma occurs in the tissues that line the lungs, chest wall, abdomen, and other organs. People who contract this disease usually worked on jobs where they were exposed to asbestos. Asbestos is a group of minerals that form strong microscopic fibers. It was used in construction and automotive products because it is resistant to heat, fire and water. Workplace Exposure Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used extensively to protect against fire before it was banned in the 1970s. The people who worked with asbestos, whether they mined it or worked with it in factories are at risk of mesothelioma. The most at risk are those who were exposed to large amounts of asbestos fibers that were microscopic for prolonged durations of time. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't appear until years after exposure to asbestos. The majority of mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure in the workplace. When asbestos is disturbed its tiny fibers can become airborne and can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers may be transported to the thin layer of tissue that covers organs. This layer is known as the mesothelium and it can develop mesothelioma cancerous tumors. Pleural mesothelioma forms around the lung and is the most frequent mesothelioma type. Other types of mesothelioma are peritoneal mesothelioma, forming in the abdomen and pericardial mesothelioma developing around the heart. It may also be present in other parts of your body if you inhale asbestos or ingest it in smaller amounts. It may occur in the testicles' lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) and in the lining of the abdominal cavity (pericardial mesothelioma). It is difficult to determine if mesothelioma was caused by occupational exposure, or another cause. Certain people who have mesothelioma develop the disease from secondhand contact. It is sometimes known as take-home exposure. It occurs when asbestos is brought home on clothing worn by workers or equipment. In these situations, workers' clothing is often washed and cleaned by families, which results in a greater exposure than expected. Some studies have shown that the use of asbestos that is similar to erionite can increase the chance of developing mesothelioma among those who live near erionite deposits. Other factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma is certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation. These treatments can cause damage to the mesothelium and lead to mesothelioma but they do not account for a large proportion of cases. Secondhand Exposure Many other factors can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. This includes genetics, history of radiation therapy to the chest and secondhand exposure. A mesothelioma family history may also increase the chance of contracting the disease. However, asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is most common in people who work with asbestos. This is especially applicable to those employed in the construction, manufacturing shipbuilding, asbestos mining industries. People who work with asbestos often inhale tiny asbestos fibers when they break or alter the material. The asbestos fibers can end up within the lining of the stomach, lungs and the heart. The asbestos may remain in the body for a long period of time and cause malignant mesothelioma cancers to grow. Inhaling or swallowing these contaminated fibers can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes and other forms of the disease. The symptoms can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years before they appear. To diagnose mesothelioma doctors must first rule out any other condition which could be the cause of the patient's symptoms. The exposure to asbestos is believed to cause pleural mesothelioma, the most common type of cancer. It is believed that the risk for this form of mesothelioma diminishes after a person's asbestos exposure has ended. The risk of developing peritoneal cancer continues to increase even after asbestos exposure has ended. Asbestos is comprised of six metamorphic fibrous minerals that are naturally occurring. It is impervious to heat and fire and extremely durable, which made it a popular material for commercial, industrial and military applications throughout the 20th century. Asbestos was heavily utilized from the close of World War II through to the mid 1970s. It was often found in ship, buildings, automobile parts and insulation. Mesothelioma is a common occurrence among asbestos workers who worked with or inhaled asbestos. Certain mesothelioma patients have been diagnosed despite having no prior asbestos-related occupational exposure. They were exposed by other methods. Women whose husbands worked with asbestos brought asbestos fibers home from their clothing or skin. The asbestos contamination of the Polio vaccine in the 1950s and 1960s has been proven to increase the risk of mesothelioma in those who received it. Environmental Exposure Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. However, other factors can also be involved. This could include age, gender, or genetics. People with a predisposition to mesothelioma or any other health problems are at higher risk than people who don't have. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace is the reason for most mesothelioma cases. People who have a long-term, continuous exposure to asbestos, such as miners or shipyard workers, are at the highest risk. A lot of people with mesothelioma didn't work directly with asbestos. The second-hand exposure is possible when someone lives with someone who has been exposed to asbestos and breathes asbestos-containing air. This type of exposure is most commonly among spouses of asbestos workers. The symptoms of mesothelioma can develop as time passes, and they will vary depending on the type a person has. Everyone should be aware of the risks they face and speak to their physician if they experience any symptoms that are unusual or alarming. Asbestos exposure can trigger 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 and the pericardial. The most frequent mesothelioma is pleural, which usually develops in the lungs. However, pericardial and peritoneal cancers can also develop in the abdominal cavity. Researchers have discovered that other substances can also cause mesothelioma. Radiation therapy and erionite (a mineral that is similar in appearance to asbestos) are among the chemicals that can cause mesothelioma. Additionally, a virus called SV40 and certain varieties of talcum powder could cause mesothelioma. Research into the causes of mesothelioma help doctors make diagnoses more quickly and accurately. This allows mesothelioma sufferers to get treatment earlier and improve their outcome. Knowing about other mesothelioma-related risks is important to help prevent mesothelioma from occurring in the future. The use of talcum could cause more women to develop peritoneal cancer. We can reduce the number diagnosed with cancer by educating the public about mesothelioma. This is particularly important because mesothelioma signs are usually delayed for as long as 50 years. Genetics If you were diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Early treatment provides the best prognosis. Research continues to reveal other risk factors, such as talcum and SV40. Knowing these risks and avoiding them will stop mesothelioma cases from occurring. Asbestos is an asbestos-related group of fibrous mineral fibers that was extensively utilized throughout the 20th century for industrial, commercial and even military applications. Its durable and fire-resistant nature made it popular among manufacturers. However, the dangers of asbestos became apparent and were well-documented by scientists, leading to its elimination. Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people who were exposed to asbestos while at work. This includes miner factory workers, miner's workers and asbestos insulation installers. They also include shipbuilders, railroad workers automakers, railroad workers. The asbestos fibers that are inhaled get buried in the lining (pleura) of the lung, where they become irritated. They eventually develop tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take years to show up, but they usually become advanced by the time they show up. It can be a sign of chest pain, heaviness or difficulty breathing. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can be a symptom. Mesothelioma is caused by cancerous mutations in cells. These are caused by asbestos exposure, but many scientists believe a person's genes are also a major factor. Researchers found a gene called BAP 1, which is located on the short arm chromosome 3 that causes mesothelioma. They discovered this gene while investigating mesothelioma epidemics in two U.S. family with Swiss descent. mesothelioma and asbestosis in the family who developed mesothelioma had this mutation. Genetics is only one aspect of the equation for mesothelioma however it's a crucial one. Only a small percentage of people who have suffered from asbestos exposure develop mesothelioma, which suggests that a person's genes may also be in play. The genes that suppress tumors appear to be mutated in most mesothelioma victims. As research advances these genes will be investigated and better understood to stop mesothelioma from developing. It is possible that those who have a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma will also have to be more cautious about exposure to asbestos, and will require regular screening for symptoms.
mesothelioma and asbestosis
