Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin membrane lining of the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with time and intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma may be wondering how this happened. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them track down possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a unique type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or tummy (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively 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 in 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of microscopic, strong fibers. It was used in a variety of commercial, industrial and household products like drywall, insulation, pipes, glues, tiles and cement. The most popular kind of asbestos that is linked to mesothelioma is chrysotile. Chrysotile. People who worked in asbestos on a daily basis are at the highest risk, particularly those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, like shipyard workers, construction workers, asbestos manufacturers and those who handled asbestos, mixed or removed. Men are more likely to work in occupations where they were exposed to asbestos than women and this is the reason more men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will look over your medical history and utilize a variety of tools to diagnose mesothelioma. These include a physical exam as well as chest x-rays, and lung function tests. They will also inquire about your work, cultural and family background. If they suspect you have mesothelioma, they will refer you to a specialist.
The way you are referred to can differ based the location of your residence.
There are many variables that could affect your treatment options.
Early diagnosis can enhance your prognosis and you'll be able to receive the treatment you require. If you notice any signs talk to your GP. They can arrange for you to see a specialist and direct you to the top mesothelioma hospital. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and help you find a treatment that is right for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the linings that surround various organs. It's typically found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also be found in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). In the UK more than 2,700 patients are diagnosed annually mesothelioma. It's not a curable cancer, but treatment can help to manage symptoms.
The most significant reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The mineral that is fire-resistant and heat-resistant was used in a variety of construction and building materials prior to its ban in the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed these materials, like electricians, miners, plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes, are at risk of being exposed.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing tiny fibers of the substance. These fibers may then penetrate mesothelium, causing the appearance of a tumor. The majority of these tumors are malignant and can be spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until decades after exposure. They may include shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal discomfort. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should inform their doctor of their asbestos exposure background. They should also ask for an appointment with mesothelioma specialists for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics and environmental and chemical factors are involved in mesothelioma. Certain of these elements could act as cocarcinogens - chemicals that increase the cancer causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have revealed that viruses, like the SV40, may be associated with mesothelioma. And some research suggests that the talcum powder, used more commonly by women than men, may contribute to the disease.
To better know the causes of Mesothelioma, more research is needed. As more information is discovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment options to decrease the number of cases. Asbestos is still the most commonly cited cause, but it is important to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This can help improve the outcomes of patients and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives and are used in many industries for the production of. Industrialization and the growing demand for diverse goods and services has resulted in an increase in chemical use. This has affected the environment and worker safety particularly for those who are exposed to chemicals or are in contact with them regularly.
There are many ways for people to be exposed to chemicals such as inhalation, ingestion and contact with the skin. Once a chemical has been absorbed into the bloodstream, it could be harmful or not, depending on the liver's process. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent that could cause liver damage. Once ingested, the body can break down some chemicals into other, safer substances. This process is called metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals can cause cancer and other health problems. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of organs as well as structures inside the body, known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is usually associated with asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos may cause peritoneal or pleural cancers, or the combination of both is known as biphasic. Symptoms are typically seen in the lungs and chest wall but they may also be seen in the abdomen and heart.
The signs of mesothelioma don't usually appear until 20 to 60 years following the initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms appear, it's important to seek a mesothelioma diagnose by a specialist, not an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are well-versed in the kinds of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma. They are able to accurately diagnose this condition by analyzing an individual's history of exposure.
Many people who have been exposed to asbestos don't think they are at risk of developing mesothelioma or their physician does not believe mesothelioma is the right diagnosis due to their exposure experience. People who have a parent or a sibling with mesothelioma may also have an increased chance of developing this cancer. It is essential to speak with a mesothelioma expert regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health issues you are experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been found to increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. People with a genetic mutation could develop mesothelioma even after minimal asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of mesothelium, a tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. clarksville asbestos lawsuit can pierce this layer of thin tissue, and over time sharp edges can disrupt the balance of genetics within cells. Cells with an unbalanced balance can expand out of control and multiply creating clumps. Over time these clumps could develop into tumors that affect the surrounding organs and tissues.
Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma trigger, but other causes exist. Some people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to minerals such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma after contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos paint was used to protect pipes made of metal. Other asbestos products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation in chromosome three can also cause mesothelioma. This mutation is a mutation in the BAP1 gene, which regulates the channel that moves calcium within cells. When this gene is mutated calcium levels drop, which increases the risk of developing cancer for a person from asbestos and other carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering within certain families that do not have known occupational asbestos exposure. The affected family members carry the BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one mesothelioma-linked family every affected member carried the same BAP1 gene mutation.
Researchers are trying to figure out the causes of mesothelioma. The more information doctors have, the more they are able to diagnose and treat mesothelioma earlier. Identifying factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma occurring in the patient can also assist with prevention.
Smoking and family history are two of the many risk factors that can be changed. Some risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has declined since its ban, mesothelioma continues to be increasing in cases across the globe. This is likely because a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the condition. Mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is likely because men are more likely to work in jobs which expose them to asbestos, and also because wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to asbestos through the clothing of their husbands.