Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin membrane that lines the chest or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the most common mesothelioma-related cause, and the risk increases with the length and intensity of the asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma might be wondering what caused it. A mesothelioma lawyer can assist them in determining how they were exposed to asbestos.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a unique form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or the tummy (peritoneum). It is usually associated with asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the lung cancer that affects just one per 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is made up of strong and microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a myriad of industrial, commercial and residential products, including pipes, insulation, drywall tiles, glues, tiles and cement. The most commonly used type of asbestos linked to mesothelioma is chrysotile. Chrysotile. The highest risk is for those who are exposed to asbestos every day, including construction workers, shipyard workers, asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle, mix or remove asbestos. Men are more likely than women to have been in occupations that exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason why more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma your doctor will examine your medical history and determine the cause using a variety of instruments. This includes a physical exam, chest x-rays and lung function tests. You will be asked questions about your work, family and cultural history. If roanoke asbestos lawyer suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you a specialist.
The way you are referred to can differ based on the location you are in.
It may take some time to find an expert and there are many factors that can impact your treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival and assist you in getting the treatment you need. If you have any symptoms talk to your GP. They may refer you a specialist or the best mesothelioma hospitals. They will run various tests to confirm your diagnosis and help you find the appropriate treatment for you.
2. Infections Viral
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the linings that surround different organs. It's typically found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can be found in the tummy's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2,700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. It's not a curable cancer, but treatment can help to manage symptoms.
The exposure to asbestos is the single most important factor in mesothelioma. 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 work with or remove these materials, such as miners, plumbers and electricians and pipefitters, insulators and renovators of older homes are at risk.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through inhaling or swallowing the tiny fibers. These fibers may then penetrate the mesothelium and cause a tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant, and they can spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident until years after exposure. A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or abdominal pain are a few of the symptoms. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also ask for a referral to mesothelioma specialists to receive the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as environmental and chemical factors play a part in mesothelioma. Certain of these elements could cause cocarcinogens - substances which increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown viruses, like the SV40 are associated with mesothelioma. Some research suggests that talcum, a substance more frequently used by women than men could be a contributing factor to mesothelioma.
To better understand the causes of Mesothelioma, more research is needed. As more information is uncovered doctors can offer better treatment and hopefully reduce the number of cases. Although asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma It is essential to be aware of other risks. This can help improve the outcomes of patients, and even prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives and are used in many industries for production. Industrial development and the demand for diverse goods and services has led to an increase in chemical use. This has had a negative impact on the environment as well as worker security, especially for those who regularly use chemicals.
There are many ways that people can be exposed to chemicals including inhalation, ingestion and contact with the skin. After a chemical is taken into the body, it may be more or less harmful dependent on how it is processed by the liver. For instance carbon tetrachloride (a old solvent, is known to cause liver damage. When ingested, the body can break down some chemicals into safer substances. This process is referred to 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 structures in the body. Mesothelioma most commonly occurs after asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can lead to mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes or a mixture of both, referred to as biphasic mesothelioma. Symptoms are typically seen in the chest wall and lungs, but can also appear in the abdomen and heart.
The signs of mesothelioma don't usually appear until 20 to 60 years after the initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms appear they should seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma by a specialist, not an oncologist. Specialists in mesothelioma are acquainted with asbestos types that can cause the disease and are able to accurately diagnose the condition based on a patient's history of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos don't know they are at risk of developing mesothelioma or their doctor does not think mesothelioma is a valid diagnosis due to their exposure experience. A family member with mesothelioma is more at chance of developing cancer. It is essential to speak to a mesothelioma expert about your asbestos exposure, and any health problems you might be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been found to increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. People with a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma, even after a small amount of exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of the mesothelium, the tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Asbestos fibres can enter this thin tissue layer, and the sharp edges disrupt the genetic balance of cells over time. Cells that have an imbalanced balance can grow out of control and reproduce themselves creating clumps. As time passes these clumps could develop into tumors that affect the surrounding organs and tissues.
Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause, however other causes exist. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals like silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma after contact with paint additives containing asbestos. In the past, asbestos paint was used to shield metal pipes. Other asbestos products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic mutation on the chromosome 3 gene can cause mesothelioma. This mutation is a mutation of the BAP1 gene that regulates the channel that moves calcium inside cells. If this gene is altered calcium levels drop and increase the risk of cancer in a person 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 have a BAP1 mutation that leads to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link, all affected members carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover what causes mesothelioma. The more knowledge doctors have the better able they are to recognize and treat mesothelioma. Recognizing factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in a person can also help in preventing.
A lot of the mesothelioma risk factors, like smoking and family history, can be altered. Certain risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has decreased due to bans on asbestos, mesothelioma cases are still increasing worldwide. This is probably because genetic and environmental factors are involved in the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work in positions which expose them to asbestos and also because wives of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos by their husbands' clothing.