Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affects the thin layer of skin that lines 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 might wonder how it happened. A mesothelioma lawyer can help to identify possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) or the tummy (peritoneum). It is usually caused by asbestos lawsuit exposure and can take 20 to 40 years to develop. It's not the lung cancer that affects a single person for every 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of strong, microscopic fibers. It was used in a variety of commercial, industrial and residential products, including drywall, insulation, pipes tiles, glues, tiles and cement. The type of asbestos that is most commonly linked to mesothelioma is the chrysotile asbestos. People who worked with asbestos on a daily basis are at the highest risk, particularly those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, such as shipyard workers construction workers, shipyard workers, asbestos manufacturers and those who handled, mixed or removed asbestos. Men are more likely to work in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos than women and this may be why more men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will review your history and may diagnose you using a number of tools. This includes a physical exam as well as chest x-rays and lung function testing. You will be asked about your family, work and cultural history. If they suspect you are suffering from mesothelioma, they will refer you to a specialist.
You'll have to be referred by your GP, but the process of referral can differ according to where you live.
It may take some time to see an expert and there are many variables that could impact your treatment options.
Early diagnosis can improve your odds of recovery and you'll be able to receive the treatment that you need. Contact your GP if you notice any signs. They can arrange for you to see an expert and refer you to the most reputable mesothelioma clinic. They will run a variety of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you select a treatment option that is right for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the linings that surround various organs. It's most often found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), but can also be found in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). In the UK there are more than 2700 people are annually diagnosed with mesothelioma. It's not a cureable cancer however treatment can help to manage symptoms.
The most significant reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The heat and fire-resistant mineral was widely used in a range of building and construction materials before it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed these materials, such as electricians, miners, plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes, are at risk of being exposed.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing small fibers of the substance. These fibers may penetrate the lining of the mesothelium, causing an increase in the size of the tumor. Typically, these tumors are malignant and can be spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear until decades after exposure. They can include breathlessness, chest pain or abdominal distress. If you experience these symptoms, you should inform their doctor about their asbestos compensation exposure history. They should also request a referral to mesothelioma specialists to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, in addition to environmental and chemical factors, play a role in mesothelioma. Certain of these factors could act as cocarcinogens, which are chemicals which increase the cancer-causing power of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, such as the SV40 virus, may be linked to mesothelioma. There is evidence that the powder talcum, which is frequently used by women than men, may be a factor in the development of the disease.
To better know the causes of Mesothelioma, more research is needed. As more is discovered, doctors can provide better treatment and hopefully reduce the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most commonly cited cause but it is vital to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This can help improve the outcomes of patients and can even stop mesothelioma from developing.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are part of our lives every day and are used for production in many industries. Industrial development and the need for a variety of products and services has led to an increase in the use of chemicals. This has had a negative impact on the environment and worker's safety, especially for those who regularly work with chemicals.
Chemicals can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact. After a chemical has been in the bloodstream, it may be harmful or not based on the liver's processes. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent which can cause liver damage. Once ingested, some chemicals are broken down by the body to safer substances. This process is referred to as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals can cause many health problems including cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of organs and structures inside the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is usually associated with asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes or a mixture of both, referred to as biphasic mesothelioma. The symptoms are usually found in the chest wall and lungs, but they may also be found in the abdomen and heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear for between 20 and 60 years after initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do begin to manifest it is essential to receive a mesothelioma diagnose from a specialist rather than a general or cancer specialist. Mesothelioma specialists are familiar with the kinds of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma. They are able to accurately diagnose this disease by analyzing an individual's exposure history.
Some people who were exposed to asbestos do not think they are at risk of developing mesothelioma, or their doctor doesn't believe that mesothelioma is the correct diagnosis due to their exposure background. A family member who has mesothelioma is at an increased risk of developing the cancer. It is important to talk to a mesothelioma doctor about your asbestos exposure and any health issues you may be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been discovered to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. People who have a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma despite having only minimal asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma, a cancerous condition of mesothelium (the tissue that covers the majority of organs in the body), is a cancerous disease. Asbestos fibers can pierce this layer of thin tissue, and with time sharp edges can disrupt the balance of genetics within cells. Cells that don't have the proper balance may duplicate themselves and expand out of control, and form groups of cells that are abnormal. As time passes, these clumps can become tumors that damage surrounding tissues and organs.
Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma trigger, but other causes are also present. Some patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals, such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma from contact with a paint additive called asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past to protect pipes made of steel. Other asbestos products included shingles and fireproof cloth.
A genetic mutation on chromosome 3 could also cause mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by an alteration in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene regulates the channel which moves calcium within cells. When this gene is mutated the calcium levels decrease which can increase the risk of developing cancer for a person from carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have noticed mesothelioma clustering in certain families, including those with no known occupational asbestos exposure. The affected family members have a BAP1 mutation which predisposes to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma connection the affected members all carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are working to find out the causes of mesothelioma. The more information doctors have, the better they can diagnose and treat mesothelioma earlier. Recognizing the factors that increase a person's mesothelioma risk can assist in preventing the disease, too.
A number of mesothelioma risk factors such as smoking and family history, can be altered. Certain risk factors, however, are permanent. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has decreased due to bans on asbestos, mesothelioma cases are increasing across the world. This is likely because an array of environmental and genetic factors are responsible for the disease. Mesothelioma is more common for men than women. This is likely due to the fact that men are more likely to be employed in jobs that require heavy asbestos exposure, and because wives of asbestos litigation workers can be exposed to asbestos that is on their husbands' clothing.