Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin membrane covering the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the time and the intensity of asbestos exposure.
A person diagnosed with mesothelioma could be wondering what caused it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them track down possible asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, affects the linings of the lungs or stomach (peritoneum). It is mainly caused by asbestos exposure and it can take between 20 and 40 years for it to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is very rare, affecting just one out of every 100,000 people in Australia every year.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral composed of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used in thousands of commercial, industrial and residential products including pipes, insulation, drywall tiles, glues, tiles and cement. The most common kind of asbestos that is linked to mesothelioma, called chrysotile, is Chrysotile. Workers who work with asbestos on a regular basis are at the greatest risk, especially those who were exposed in their workplaces, such as shipyard workers and construction workers as well as asbestos manufacturers, and those who handled asbestos in the form of mixed or removed. Men are more likely to be employed in jobs where they were exposed to asbestos than women, and this could be the reason why more men than women are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
naperville asbestos law firm will review your medical history and use a variety of methods to detect mesothelioma. This could include a physical exam as well as chest x-rays and lung function tests. You will be asked about your family, work and your cultural background. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you to a specialist.
You'll have to be referred by your GP However, the procedure for referrals can differ depending on where you live.
It may take some time to see an expert and there are a variety of factors that can impact the treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival and allow you to receive the treatment you require. Contact your GP if you notice any symptoms. They can arrange for you see a specialist and refer you to the most reputable mesothelioma hospital. They will conduct various tests to confirm the diagnosis and help you find the right treatment for you.
2. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in the linings surrounding different organs. It is usually found in the lungs, however it can be found in stomach lining (peritoneal peritoneal mesothelioma) or in the heart's pericardial membrane (pericardial pericardial). In the UK, more than 2,700 people are diagnosed each year mesothelioma. The cancer is not curable but treatment can control symptoms.
The exposure to asbestos is the single most important factor in mesothelioma. The heat and fire-resistant mineral was widely used in a range of building and construction materials prior to its ban in the 1970s. Workers who handled or removed the materials, including miners, electricians plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes, are at risk of exposure.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by inhaling or swallowing the small fibers. These fibers may then penetrate mesothelium, causing a tumor. These tumors could be malignant and spread to other parts.
The symptoms of mesothelioma generally do not manifest until years after the exposure. A shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal discomfort are just a few of the symptoms. If you experience these symptoms, inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also request to be sent to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as environmental and chemical factors, are involved in mesothelioma. Some of these factors may be cocarcinogens. These are chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer of other chemicals. Other studies have shown viruses, like the SV40 are associated with mesothelioma. A few studies suggest that talcum which is more frequently used by women than men, may contribute to mesothelioma.
More research is needed to determine the cause of mesothelioma. As more information is discovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment and hopefully reduce the number of cases. Asbestos remains the most common cause but it is vital to recognize non-asbestos risks as well. This can help improve the patient experience and stop mesothelioma from forming in the first place.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are a part of our lives and are utilized in a variety of industries to produce. Chemical use has increased due to industrial development and demand for goods and services. This has affected the environment and worker safety especially for those who work with chemicals or come into contact with them on a regular basis.
There are many ways for people to be exposed to chemicals including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. Once a chemical has been in the bloodstream, it could be harmful or not based on the liver's process. For example, carbon tetrachloride, an old solvent, is now known to cause liver damage. When ingested, certain chemicals are broken down by the body into safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals could cause cancer and other health issues. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of organs as well as structures within the body called the mesothelium. Mesothelioma usually develops following exposure to asbestos. Exposure to asbestos may cause pleural or peritoneal cancers, or the combination of both is known as biphasic. The signs are typically found in the chest wall and lungs, however they may also be found in the abdomen and the heart.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear for between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. If symptoms do show up, it's important to seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma by a specialist, not an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are familiar with the different types of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma and can accurately diagnose the disease depending on the individual's history of exposure.
Some people who have been in contact with asbestos are not aware that they are at risk of developing the disease. Their doctor might not recognize mesothelioma on the basis of their past. A family member who has mesothelioma has a higher risk for developing the cancer. It is essential to consult a mesothelioma specialist regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health problems you might be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Research has found that certain genes can increase the mesothelioma-related risk. People who have a genetic defect may develop mesothelioma even after minimal asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can be a cancer of the mesothelium, the tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Asbestos fibers may penetrate the thin layer of tissue, and with time the sharp edges disrupt the cell's genetic balance. Cells that don't have the right balance could duplicate themselves and out of control, forming clumps of abnormal cells. As time passes, these clumps can become tumors that can affect surrounding tissues and organs.
Asbestos exposure is the most frequent mesothelioma-related cause, however other causes exist. For instance, some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other minerals such as silica and erionite. Some have developed mesothelioma following contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. Asbestos paint was used in the past 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 caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene, which controls the channel that moves calcium within cells. When this gene is affected, calcium levels drop, which increases a person's cancer risk from asbestos-related carcinogens.
Scientists have noticed mesothelioma clustering within certain families that do not have known asbestos exposure from work. The affected family members have an BAP1 mutation which predisposes to mesothelioma. In one mesothelioma-linked family, all affected members carried the same BAP1 gene mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover the causes of mesothelioma. The more details doctors have, the better they can diagnose and treat mesothelioma earlier. Identifying factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in a person can also help in preventing.
Smoking and family history are just two of the many risk factors that can be changed. Certain risk factors however, remain. Despite the fact asbestos exposure has declined since its prohibition, mesothelioma is increasing in cases worldwide. This is due to an array of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the disease. Mesothelioma is more common in males than females. This is due to the fact that males are more likely to be employed in jobs in the industrial sector that have asbestos exposure. Also, because wives of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos on their husbands' clothing.