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 leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma may wonder how it happened. A mesothelioma lawyer can help to identify possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an unusual form of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) or tummy (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively associated with 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 just one out of 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of tough and microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a myriad of industrial, commercial and residential products, including drywall, insulation, pipes, glues, tiles and cement. The kind of asbestos that is most often linked to mesothelioma is chrysotile asbestos. The most risk is for those who are exposed to asbestos every day, which includes shipyard workers, construction employees asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle asbestos, mix or remove it. Men are more likely to work in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos than women, and this could be the reason why more males than females are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will examine the history of your condition and possibly determine the cause using a variety of tools. This includes a physical exam including chest x-rays, and lung function tests. You will be asked about your family, work and cultural history. If they suspect that mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist.
The way you are referred to can differ based the location of your residence.
It may take some time to get to an expert and there are many variables that could impact the treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma However, early detection can improve your chances of survival and help you get the treatment you need. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, speak to your GP. They may refer you an expert or the top mesothelioma hospitals. They will conduct a variety of tests to confirm your diagnosis and assist you in determining the best treatment for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, occurs in the linings of different organs. It is most commonly found in the lungs. However, killeen asbestos attorney can be found in the linings of the stomach (peritoneal peritoneal mesothelioma) or the heart's membrane (pericardial pericardial). More than 2700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. The cancer is not curable, however treatment can control symptoms.
The single most important cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. The heat- and fireproof mineral was used to make a variety building and construction materials until it was banned in the year 1970. Workers who handle or remove these materials, such as electricians, plumbers and miners as well as pipefitters, insulators, and re-modelers of older homes are at risk.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma inhaling or swallowing the small fibers. These fibers can pierce the mesothelium's lining and cause the formation of a tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant and can grow to other areas of the body.
The signs of mesothelioma typically don't show up until decades after exposure. They include shortness of breath or chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also request to be directed to a mesothelioma specialist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, in addition to chemical and environmental factors can play a role in mesothelioma. Some of these factors could be cocarcinogens, which are chemicals that can increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, such as the SV40 are 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 can offer better treatment and hopefully decrease the number of cases. Asbestos is still the most frequent cause however it is crucial 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 a part of our lives every day and are used in the production in a variety of industries. Chemical use has risen due to industrial development and the demand for both goods and services. This has had a negative effect on the environment as well as worker safety, particularly for those who use chemicals.
There are many ways for people to be exposed to chemicals including inhalation, ingestion and contact with skin. Once a chemical is in the bloodstream, it can be toxic or not, depending on the liver's processes. For instance, carbon tetrachloride, an old solvent, is recognized to cause liver damage. When ingested, certain chemicals are broken down by the body to safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
Chemical exposure can lead to a variety of health issues including cancer. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, affects the organs' linings as well as other body structures. Mesothelioma is most often seen following asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a mixture of both called biphasic mesothelioma. The signs are usually seen in the chest wall and lungs, however they can also be observed in the heart and abdomen.
The signs of mesothelioma are usually not appear for a period of 20 to 60 years after 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 the types of asbestos that cause the disease, and can precisely diagnose it based on a patient's history of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos don't think they are at risk of developing mesothelioma or their doctor doesn't think mesothelioma is a valid diagnosis in light of their exposure background. People who have a parent or a sibling with mesothelioma may also have an increased chance of developing this type of cancer. It is important that you speak to a mesothelioma expert about your asbestos exposure, and any health issues you might be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Studies have found that certain genes can increase a person's mesothelioma risk. A genetic mutation could cause mesothelioma among people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of mesothelium, a tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Asbestos fibres can penetrate the thin layer of tissue and sharp edges can disrupt the genetic balance of cells in time. Cells that are not balanced may grow out of control and duplicate themselves and form clusters. These clumps could develop into tumors that over time affect surrounding tissues and organs.
Other causes of mesothelioma exist which include asbestos exposure. Some people have developed mesothelioma from exposure to minerals like silica or erionite. Some have also developed mesothelioma due to contact with a paint additive known as asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past to protect pipes made of steel. Other asbestos products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation on chromosome3 can also cause mesothelioma. The cause of this mutation is an alteration in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene controls the channel which moves calcium within cells. When this gene is affected, calcium levels fall, increasing the risk of cancer from carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering within certain families, even those without any asbestos exposure at work. The affected family members have the BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link the affected members all carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to figure out the causes of mesothelioma. The more details doctors have, the more they are able to diagnose and treat mesothelioma early. Finding factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma in a person can also help with prevention.
Smoking and family history are just two of the risk factors that can be changed. Certain risk factors however are not permanent. Despite the fact asbestos exposure has declined since its ban, mesothelioma continues to be increasing in cases worldwide. This is likely because the combination of environmental and genetic factors contributes to the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is probably because men are more likely to be employed in industrial jobs with asbestos exposure. Also, because wives of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos that is on the clothes of their husbands.