Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the thin membrane that covers the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with time and extent of exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma sufferers may be wondering how they came to it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them find out the places they might have been exposed to asbestos.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a disease that affects the linings of the stomach or lungs (peritoneum). It is usually related to asbestos exposure and can take 20 to 40 years to develop. It's not the lung cancer that affects just one person in every 100,000 in Australia every year.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, is made up of tough and microscopic fibers. It was used in the production of hundreds of products for industrial, commercial and residential uses such as drywall, pipes, adhesives, tiles, and cement. The type of asbestos that is most frequently associated with mesothelioma is called Chrysotile asbestos. The people who work with asbestos on a regular basis are at the highest risk, particularly those who were exposed to asbestos in their work environments, such as shipyard workers construction workers, shipyard workers asbestos manufacturers and others who handled asbestos in the form of mixed or removed. Men are more likely than women to have worked in occupations which exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will examine your medical history and use various tools to identify mesothelioma. This includes a physical examination, chest x rays and lung function tests. They will also inquire about your work, lifestyle, and family history. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you a specialist.
Referrals can vary depending the location of your residence.
It can take a while to see a specialist, and there are a variety of variables that could impact the treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma However, early detection can improve your odds of survival and allow you to receive the treatment you need. If you have any symptoms consult your GP. They can arrange for you to visit a specialist and direct you to the top mesothelioma treatment center. They will conduct various tests to confirm your diagnosis and help you find the right treatment for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the linings that surround different organs. It's typically found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can occur in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. It's not a curable cancer however treatment can help control symptoms.
The exposure to asbestos is the single most significant factor that causes mesothelioma. The heat- and fireproof mineral was used to make various construction and building materials until it was banned in the year 1970. Workers who handle or remove these materials, including miners, plumbers and electricians, as well as pipefitters, insulators, and re-modelers of older homes are at risk.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing tiny pieces of the substance. These fibers can pierce the mesothelium's lining, causing an increase in the size of the tumor. These tumors can be malignant and spread to other parts.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until decades after exposure. They include shortness of breath or chest pain as well as abdominal pain. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should inform their doctor about their asbestos exposure history. They should also ask to be sent to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, along with chemical and environmental factors can play a role in mesothelioma. Some of these elements could cause cocarcinogens, which are chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer of other chemicals. Other studies have revealed that viruses, such as the SV40 could be linked with mesothelioma. Some research suggests that talcum which is more frequently used by women than men may contribute to mesothelioma.
More research is required to better understand the causes of mesothelioma. As more information is uncovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment and hopefully decrease the number of cases. Although asbestos is the most commonly cited mesothelioma cause, it is important to recognize other risk factors as well. This can help improve the outcomes of patients and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are part of our lives and are used in many industries for production. Chemical use has risen due to the development of industries and the demand for both goods and services. This has had a negative impact on the environment and worker safety especially for those who are exposed to chemicals or come in contact with them on a regular basis.
Chemicals can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion, or contact with skin. Once a chemical is in the bloodstream, it could be harmful or not based on the liver's processing. For example, carbon tetrachloride, an old solvent, is now known to cause liver damage. Once ingested, some chemicals can be broken down by the body into safer substances. This process is referred to as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals may cause cancer and other health issues. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of organs as well as structures within the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma usually develops following asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos may cause peritoneal or pleural cancers, or a combination of both called biphasic. The symptoms typically manifest in the chest wall and lungs however, they can also manifest in the abdomen or heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't appear for a period of 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. When symptoms appear, it's important to seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma by a specialist, not an oncologist. Specialists in mesothelioma have experience with asbestos types that can cause the disease, and can accurately diagnose it in light of a patient's past of exposure.
Certain people who have come exposed to asbestos aren't aware that they could be at risk of developing the disease. Their doctor might not recognize mesothelioma from their history. A family member who suffers from mesothelioma is more at risk for developing the cancer. It is important to talk to a mesothelioma doctor about your asbestos exposure and any health issues that you are experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been discovered to increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. People with a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma, even after a small amount of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of the mesothelium- the tissue that covers most internal organs. Asbestos fibers can pierce the mesothelium's thin tissue, and as time passes the sharp edges disturb the balance of genetics within cells. Cells that aren't in proper balance may duplicate themselves and expand out of control, and form clusters of abnormal cells. Over time the clumps may develop into tumors that can affect surrounding organs and tissues.
Other causes of mesothelioma are also present such as asbestos exposure. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma after exposure to minerals, such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma due to contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. In the past asbestos paint was used to shield metal pipes. syracuse asbestos law firm -based products included shingles and fireproof cloth.
A genetic mutation on chromosome 3 could also cause mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene controls the channel that moves calcium inside cells. When this gene is affected calcium levels drop which increases the risk of developing cancer due to asbestos and other carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering in certain families that do not have known asbestos exposure from work. The affected family members carry the BAP1 mutation that leads to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma-linked link, all affected members carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to figure out the causes of mesothelioma. The more knowledge doctors have the better equipped they are to diagnose and treat mesothelioma. Identifying factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in the patient can also assist in preventing.
A number of mesothelioma risk factors, like smoking and family history, can be altered. Certain risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact that exposure to asbestos has decreased due to the bans on asbestos, mesothelioma cases are still increasing worldwide. This is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of the disease. Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women. This is likely due to the fact that men are more likely to work in jobs that require asbestos exposure. This is also because wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to the asbestos that is on the clothes of their husbands.