Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin covering the chest or abdomen. Asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the duration and the intensity of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma sufferers may wonder how they got it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them identify potential 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 often caused by asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is extremely rare, affecting only one out of every 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of tough, microscopic fibers. It was used to make thousands of products for industrial, commercial, and residential use such as pipes, drywall tiles, adhesives and cement. The most popular type of asbestos linked to mesothelioma, called chrysotile, is the chrysotile. The most risk is for those who work with asbestos every day, such as shipyard workers, construction employees, asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle asbestos, mix it with or remove it. Men are more likely than women to have been in occupations which exposed them to asbestos, and this could be the reason why more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will examine your medical history and utilize various tools to diagnose mesothelioma. This could include a physical exam including chest x-rays, and lung function testing. You will be asked about your work, family and cultural history. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you a specialist.
The number of referrals you receive will depend the location of your residence.
It can take a while to get to a specialist, and there are many variables that could impact your treatment options.
Early diagnosis can enhance your prognosis, and you will be able to get the treatment you require. Speak to your GP when you experience any symptoms. They may refer you specialists or the top mesothelioma hospital. They will run various tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you in finding the right treatment for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that grows in the linings of different organs. It is usually found in the lungs. However, it can be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneal mesothelioma peritoneal), or the heart's membrane (pericardial pericardial). In the UK, more than 2,700 people are annually diagnosed mesothelioma. It's not curable but treatment can control symptoms.
The single most important reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The heat- and fireproof mineral was used in the production of a variety building and construction 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 remodelers of older homes are at risk.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through inhaling or swallowing the tiny fibers. These fibers may penetrate the mesothelium's lining and cause an increase in the size of the tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant and can spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma generally don't show up until decades after the exposure. They include shortness of breath or 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 sent to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as chemical and environmental factors play a part in mesothelioma. Certain of these factors could cause cocarcinogens. These are chemicals that increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, like the SV40 virus, may be associated with mesothelioma. A few studies suggest 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 discovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment options to decrease the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most commonly cited cause but it is vital to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This will improve the outcomes for patients and stop mesothelioma from forming in the first place.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are part of our everyday lives and are used in the production in many industries. Industrialization and the growing need for a variety of products 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 particularly for those who are exposed to chemicals or come into contact with them on a regular basis.
There are a number of ways for people to be exposed to chemicals such as ingestion, inhalation, and contact with the skin. Once a chemical has been in the bloodstream, it may be harmful or not based on the liver's process. For instance carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent, is now known to cause liver damage. Once ingested, some chemicals are broken down by the body into safer substances. This process is referred to as metabolism.
Chemical exposure can lead to a variety of health issues including cancer. Mesothelioma is an uncommon form of cancer that affects the lining of organs and structures inside the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most often seen following asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can lead to pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma 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 heart.
The signs of mesothelioma are usually not appear for a period of 20 to 60 years after initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do begin to manifest it is essential to get a mesothelioma diagnosis by a specialist rather than a general oncologist. Specialists in mesothelioma are familiar with asbestos types that can cause the disease, and can accurately diagnose the condition in light of a patient's past of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos aren't aware that they are at risk of developing the disease. Also, their doctor may not be able to diagnose mesothelioma from their history. A family member who suffers from mesothelioma is more at chance of developing cancer. It is essential to speak to a mesothelioma doctor regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health issues you may be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Studies have found that certain genes can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Genetic mutations can lead to mesothelioma in those who have been exposed 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 penetrate the thin layer of tissue and the sharp edges disrupt the genetic balance of cells over time. Cells with an unbalanced balance can grow out of control and multiply and form clumps. As time passes the clumps may develop into tumors that can affect surrounding organs and tissues.
connecticut asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma exist, including asbestos exposure. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals like 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-based products include shingles as well as fireproof fabric.
A genetic defect on the chromosome 3 gene can cause mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene controls the channel which transports calcium within cells. When this gene is mutated the calcium levels decrease and increase a person's cancer risk from asbestos-related carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clusters within some families, even those without any asbestos exposure in the workplace. 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 trying to determine what causes mesothelioma. The more information doctors possess the better equipped they are to detect and treat mesothelioma. Identifying factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person can also help in preventing.
Smoking and family history are just two of the risk factors that can be altered. However, some of the risk factors are permanent. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has decreased due to bans on mesothelioma, cases of mesothelioma are still increasing worldwide. This is likely because a combination of environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of the condition. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is because men are more likely to work in positions which expose them to asbestos and also because wives of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos through the clothing of their husbands.