What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos, a toxic mineral to humans, breaks down into tiny fibers. When these fibers are disturbed, they can become airborne and can be breathed in. When inhaled, these fibres can cause lung cancer and Mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure is only the one confirmed cause mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos or eating asbestos can cause mesothelioma as it irritates and mutates cells in the lining of the lungs stomach, abdomen, or heart tests.
1. Smoking
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly cancer. It is a benign layer of tissue covering most internal organs. It can occur in the tissue surrounding each lung (pleural mesothelioma) or in the tissue lining the abdomen and chest cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). It can also develop around the testicles and the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).).
Asbestos is a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. It was used in buildings vehicles, buildings and a myriad of other products from the 1930s to the beginning of the 1980s since it was inexpensive, durable and fire-resistant. Those who worked with asbestos, such as shipbuilders and electricians, or steelworkers were at the most risk. Mesothelioma patients typically develop cancer for decades after exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma cases is due to asbestos exposure, however there are a few patients who do not have a cause that is known to be external. The patients may be afflicted by environmental or genetic risk factors.
Some mesotheliomas are caused by germline mutations in BAP1. These are usually discovered in families with previous history of other cancers. A small number of mesotheliomas have been linked to the SV40 virus. SV40 can cause genes to promote growth of tumours. In the 1950s and 1960s, it was utilized to treat polio. Researchers have found that talcum powder could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that women who live close to those who have worked with asbestos pick the asbestos fibres off of their clothing.
2. Alcohol
Mesothelioma symptoms can show up in any time between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. That's why it's crucial to inform your doctor about your asbestos exposure history and to have tests performed for mesothelioma that could be a possibility. It is also essential to locate a mesothelioma specialist to ensure you get the best care and treatment.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed get trapped in the mesothelium. It is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the organs and tissues of your body. The fibers can penetrate cells and create inflammation, which can result in tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptom is a shortness of breath. Other symptoms include abdominal pain.
The mesothelioma-related inflammation can cause the lungs to swell up, making it hard for patients to breathe. It may also trigger a build-up of fluid in the lungs, a condition known as pleural effusion. The ability to control fluid buildup can help improve breathlessness.
Smoking increases the chance of developing mesothelioma as well as other health problems related to asbestos exposure. Smoking causes alterations in lung tissue function, which can impact the capacity of the lungs to eliminate asbestos fibers.
Other factors in your life like an inheritance predisposition or compromised immune system, could increase the risk of mesothelioma. Some of these include mesothelioma in the family and a habit of smoking. These factors can also affect how long mesothelioma takes to be diagnosed and treated.
3. Drugs
Mesothelioma develops when the genetic makeup of a person changes (mutates). As these mutations increase, the cells become uncontrollable and develop abnormal tumors.
There are several mesothelioma types and the symptoms vary based on the organ or body system is affected. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly encountered form of this cancer, is found in the lungs and is usually manifested by chest pain, coughing, and shortness of breath. Peritoneal mesothelioma, less common but still serious is found in the lining of the abdomen. Both types can exhibit symptoms that are similar to other illnesses which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Mesothelioma can be triggered by asbestos exposure. The mineral that occurs naturally is composed of a clumping of thin, long and very strong fibers found in rocks and soil. It was used extensively during the 20th century as a building material as well as car parts and other products, before scientists discovered its dangers to human health.
When asbestos fibers are agitated, they can become airborne. They can be swallowed and inhaled. They can then settle in the lung's lining stomach, heart or stomach and irritate it which can lead to mesothelioma. Most people who get mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos at work. The most at risk are asbestos miners, people working in the construction industry, factory employees, insulation manufacturers and installers, railroad and automotive workers and ship builders. Family members of these workers are also at increased risk because they may inhale or ingest asbestos fibers when their loved ones are at work.
4. Alcoholism
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be diverse However, the majority of patients experience shortness of breathing (dyspnea) and breathing difficulties. Some patients also have abdominal pain, chest pain, or a general feeling of fatigue.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissue that lines your lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma malign when they get stuck in the tissue. This tissue takes decades to develop tumors. Once it has it, cancerous cells begin to form. Mesothelioma is categorized into four different types. The most common type is pleural mesothelioma which affects the lining of your lungs. Other types include peritoneal testicular and pericardial cancers.
Mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure. bethlehem asbestos attorneys is a naturally occurring mineral that's used in many industries to make pipes, insulation and other products. Most mesothelioma patients were exposed at work in direct or indirect ways through the air. The most frequent exposures are miners, construction workers and shipyard workers.
Men are more vulnerable to mesothelioma and it generally affects those older than 50. This could be because men are more likely than women to have worked in jobs that required asbestos exposure. BAP1 is a rare genetic mutation that has been linked to mesothelioma.
5. Alcohol abuse
Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. This is a type of cancer. Even the tiniest asbestos particles can get into the lungs, abdomen, or heart, where they cause tissue irritation and damage. Certain asbestos-related diseases do not manifest until years after exposure.
The first signs of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal discomfort. Many people with these symptoms do not realize they have mesothelioma, until they visit a doctor to address other health issues. Inform your doctor if have ever been exposed to asbestos. This will help you receive a a more accurate and faster diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma is usually caused by asbestos exposure, and it develops in the lungs. Other mesothelioma types include the pericardial and the peritoneal that form in the abdomen and around the heart respectively. Mesothelioma is more frequent in those who work in asbestos-containing industries such as shipbuilding and construction, manufacturing, and energy production. Veterans were also exposed to asbestos by the military, since it was used on naval vessels and barracks.
Radiation therapy and the SV40 and BAP1 viruses are also risk factors. Erionite, a mineral which has a similar structure to asbestos, could also cause mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that disulfiram (Antabuse), which is used to help alcoholics overcome their addiction by stopping their bodies from processing alcohol can inhibit mesothelioma cell growth.
6. Cancer
Patients with mesothelioma should know the cause of their condition. That knowledge helps them to understand and prevent future cases. Mesothelioma is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals composed of flexible fibers resistant to electricity and fire. Asbestos was used extensively in the construction industry until it was banned. These tiny fibers could be inhaled, causing the lining of the lung or stomach to develop cancerous cells. The symptoms typically don't appear until 20 years after the exposure.
Many Americans were exposed during their careers, particularly those who worked in industries. The risk of exposure increases the more asbestos a person is exposed to, and the long they are exposed to it. Painting, insulating and roofing are all common jobs which require asbestos exposure.
The SV40 virus Erionite, SV40, radiation treatment, and genetic mutations are other mesothelioma causing factors. Some of these are linked to asbestos, while others aren't. For example, a germline mutation of BAP1 in certain families could increase mesothelioma risk, but this is rare.
Even if a patient is unable to remember any mesothelioma exposure it is still recommended to seek medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the mesothelioma outlook. Additionally, a seasoned mesothelioma lawyer may be able to help them track down possible sources of exposure as well as compensation. A mesothelioma lawyer has the experience and resources to investigate possible asbestos exposure sources.