Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin lining of the chest or abdomen. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the duration and extent of exposure to asbestos.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma might wonder how it happened. A mesothelioma lawyer could help them identify potential 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 almost exclusively associated with asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It's not the lung cancer that affects one per 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is made up of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used to make thousands of products for industrial, commercial and residential applications including drywall, pipes, adhesives, tiles, and cement. The asbestos type that is most commonly linked to mesothelioma is the chrysotile asbestos. Workers who work with asbestos on a daily basis are at the highest risk, particularly those who were exposed in their work environments, such as shipyard workers, construction workers asbestos manufacturers and others who handled asbestos, mixed or removed. Men are more likely to be employed in occupations where they were exposed to asbestos than women. this may be why more males than females are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will look over your medical history and utilize a variety of tools to diagnose mesothelioma. These include a physical examination as well as chest x-rays, and lung function tests. You will be asked about your work, family and your cultural background. If they suspect mesothelioma is present, they will refer you to a specialist.
You'll have to be referred by your GP however, the process of referral can differ depending on where you live.
There are a variety of factors that can influence the treatment options you have.
There is no cure for mesothelioma however, early detection can improve your prognosis and help you get the treatment you need. If you notice any signs consult your GP. They can arrange for you to see an expert and refer you to the best mesothelioma clinic. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and help you find a treatment that is right for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, develops in the linings of different organs. It is most commonly found in the lung (pleural mesothelioma), but can also be found in the lining of the tummy (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 mesothelioma. The cancer is not curable, but treatment can help control symptoms.
The single most important reason for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. The fire-resistant and heat-resistant mineral was used in a variety of building and construction materials prior to its ban in the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed the materials, including electricians, miners plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older houses, are at high risk of being exposed.
Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing small fibers of the material. These fibers may penetrate the lining of the mesothelium, causing a tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant and can grow to other areas of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until years after exposure. They may include shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal pain. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also ask for a referral to mesothelioma specialists for the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, along with chemical and environmental factors play a role in mesothelioma. Some of these factors may act as cocarcinogens, which are substances that can increase the risk of cancer of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, like the SV40 are associated with mesothelioma. Some research suggests that talcum, a substance more commonly used by women than men, may contribute to mesothelioma.
To better know the causes of Mesothelioma, more research is required. As more information is discovered, doctors will be able to provide better treatment in order to decrease the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most common cause, but it is important to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This can improve patient outcomes and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives and are utilized in a variety of industries for the production of. Chemical use has risen because of industrialization as well as the need for goods and services. This has had a negative effect on the environment and workers' safety, especially for those who work with chemicals.
Chemicals can be absorbed by the body through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. After a chemical has been taken into the bloodstream it could be harmful or not depending on the liver's processing. Carbon tetrachloride is a long-lasting solvent which can cause damage to the liver. Once ingested, some chemicals can be broken down by the body into safer substances. This process is referred to as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals could cause cancer and other health problems. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of organs and structures within the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma is most often seen following asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause the development of peritoneal or pleural cancers or a combination of both called biphasic. The signs are usually seen in the chest wall and lungs, however they can also be observed in the heart and abdomen.
The symptoms of mesothelioma typically don't show up for between 20 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos. When symptoms appear, it's important to get a mesothelioma diagnosis from a specialist rather than an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are well-versed in the kinds of asbestos that can cause mesothelioma. They can identify this condition by analyzing an individual's exposure history.
Certain people who have come in contact with asbestos are unaware that they could be at risk of developing the disease. Also, their doctor may not diagnose mesothelioma from their history. A family member who has mesothelioma is at an increased risk for developing the cancer. racine asbestos lawyer is crucial to speak to a mesothelioma expert regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health issues you may be suffering from.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been identified to increase the chance of developing mesothelioma. Genetic mutations can lead to mesothelioma among people 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 condition. Asbestos fibers may penetrate the thin layer of tissue, and over time sharp edges can disrupt the cell's genetic balance. Cells that are not balanced may grow out of control and multiply and form clumps. These clumps can develop into tumors in time and affect organs and tissues around them.
There are other causes of mesothelioma which include asbestos exposure. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma after exposure to minerals like silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma from contact with a paint ingredient called asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past to shield pipes made of metal. Other asbestos-based products included shingles and fireproof cloth.
A genetic mutation on chromosome3 can cause mesothelioma. The cause of this mutation is an alteration in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene regulates the channel that moves calcium within cells. When this gene is altered, calcium levels fall, increasing the risk of developing cancer due to carcinogens such as asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clustering in certain families, including those with no asbestos exposure at work. The affected family members have an BAP1 mutation which predisposes to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link that was affected by all members had the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are working to understand what causes mesothelioma. The more information doctors possess the better equipped they are to detect and treat mesothelioma. Identifying the factors that increase a person's mesothelioma risk can assist with prevention, too.
Smoking and family history are just two of the many risk factors that can be altered. Certain risk factors however are not permanent. Despite the fact asbestos exposure has decreased due to its prohibition, mesothelioma is increasing in cases worldwide. This is likely due to environmental and genetic factors are involved in the development of the disease. Mesothelioma is more common in men than in women. This is due to the fact that males are more likely to be employed in industrial jobs with asbestos exposure. Also, because wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to asbestos on their husbands' clothing.