Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer is a form of cancer that affects the thin skin that covers the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the duration and the intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma could be wondering what caused it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them determine how they were exposed to asbestos.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a unique type of cancer that affects the lung's lining (pleura) or the tummy (peritoneum). It is often associated with asbestos exposure and takes 20 to 40 years to develop. West Covina asbestos lawyers is not the lung cancer that affects a single per 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral is composed of tough and microscopic fibers. It was utilized in a myriad of industrial, commercial and household products like drywall, insulation, pipes tiles, glues, tiles and cement. The asbestos type that is most often linked to mesothelioma is the chrysotile asbestos. Workers who work with asbestos on a daily basis are at greatest risk, particularly those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplaces, like shipyard workers and construction workers, asbestos manufacturers and those who handled, mixed or removed asbestos. Men are more likely than women to have been in jobs which exposed them to asbestos, and this could be the reason why more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Your doctor will review your medical history and use a variety of methods to detect mesothelioma. These include a physical examination, chest x-rays and lung function tests. They will also ask you about your job, culture and family history. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist.
You'll have to be referred by your GP, but the process of referral can differ depending on where you live.
There are many variables that could affect your treatment options.
Early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival, and you will be able to get the treatment that you need. Contact your GP when you experience any signs. They can arrange for you see a specialist and direct you to the best mesothelioma treatment center. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and assist you select a treatment option that is right for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that forms in the linings surrounding different organs. It is typically found in the lungs, however it can be found in linings of the stomach (peritoneal peritoneal mesothelioma), or the heart's pericardial membrane (pericardial pericardial). More than 2700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year in the UK. It's not curable however treatment can help to manage 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 handled or removed these materials, like electricians, miners plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes are at high risk of exposure.
Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing tiny fibers of the material. These fibers can then pierce mesothelium, causing the appearance of a tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant and may be spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma typically are not evident until years after exposure. They may include shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal discomfort. If you have these symptoms, tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also request to be sent to a mesothelioma expert 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 cause cocarcinogens - substances which increase the cancer-causing potential of other chemicals. Other studies have shown that viruses, such as the SV40 virus, could be associated with mesothelioma. A few studies suggest that talcum, which is more commonly 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 provide better treatment options to reduce the number cases. Asbestos is still the most commonly cited cause but it is vital to be aware of non-asbestos risk factors as well. This will improve the patient's experience and can even stop mesothelioma from developing.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of everyday life and are used in many industries for production. The growth of industrialization and the demand for a variety of goods and services has led to an increase in the use of chemical. This has had a negative effect on the environment as well as worker safety, especially for those who frequently use chemicals.
Chemicals can be absorbed into the body via ingestion, inhalation and skin contact. After a chemical is absorbed into the body, it can be more or less harmful depending on the way it is processed by the liver. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent that can cause liver damage. After ingesting it, the body can break down some chemicals into safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals can cause cancer and other health issues. Mesothelioma, which is a rare type of cancer is a disease that affects the linings and organs' linings and other body structures. Mesothelioma is most often seen following exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can cause pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma or a mixture of both, referred to as biphasic mesothelioma. Symptoms are typically seen in the chest wall and lungs however, they can also manifest in the abdomen or heart.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't manifest for between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do show up it is important to seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma from a specialist instead of an oncologist. Specialists in mesothelioma have experience with the asbestos types that cause the disease, and can accurately diagnose it by analyzing the patient's history of exposure.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos don't realize they are at risk of developing mesothelioma or their doctor does not think mesothelioma is a valid diagnosis in light of their exposure background. People who have a parent or a sibling with mesothelioma might also have an increased risk of developing this cancer. It is important that you 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 risk of developing mesothelioma. A genetic mutation could cause mesothelioma in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease of mesothelium (the tissue that covers the majority of internal organs) is a cancerous condition. Asbestos fibers can penetrate this thin tissue layer, and the sharp edges disrupt the genetic balance of the cells over time. Cells that are not balanced can expand out of control and multiply creating clumps. Over time these clumps could develop into tumors that can affect surrounding organs and tissues.
Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause, however other causes are also present. For example, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other minerals, such as silica and Erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma from contact with a paint additive called asbestos. In the past, asbestos paint was used to protect pipes made of metal. Other asbestos-based products include shingles and fireproof fabric.
A genetic defect on chromosome 3 can also lead to mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene, which regulates the channel that moves calcium within cells. If this gene is altered the calcium levels decrease which increases the risk of cancer from carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clusters within certain families, including those who have not had any occupational asbestos exposure. The affected family members carry a BAP1 mutation which predisposes to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma link, all affected members carried the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover the causes of mesothelioma. The more information doctors have, the better they will be able to detect and treat mesothelioma in the early stages. Recognizing the factors that increase a person's mesothelioma risk can assist with prevention, too.
Smoking and family history are just two of the risk factors that can be altered. Certain risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact that asbestos exposure has decreased due to the bans on mesothelioma, cases of mesothelioma are still increasing worldwide. This is likely due to environmental and genetic factors are involved in the disease. Mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. This is likely due to the fact that men are more likely to work in jobs that require asbestos exposure. Also, because wives of asbestos workers could be exposed to the asbestos on their husbands' clothing.