Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer is a form of cancer that affects the thin skin that lines the abdomen or chest. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. The risk increases with the time and extent of exposure to asbestos.
People diagnosed with mesothelioma may wonder how they got 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 tummy (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure, and can take between 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is extremely rare, affecting just one in 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, is made up of strong and microscopic fibers. It was used in a variety 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, chrysotile, is Chrysotile. Workers who work with asbestos on a daily basis are at the greatest risk, particularly those who were exposed in their workplaces, like shipyard workers construction workers, shipyard workers asbestos manufacturers and others who handled asbestos, mixed or removed. Men are more likely than women to have been in occupations which 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 look at your medical history and determine the cause using a variety of tools. This could include a physical exam including chest x-rays, and lung function tests. They will also inquire about your job, culture and family background. If they suspect you have mesothelioma they will refer you a specialist.
You'll need to be referred by your GP however, the referral process can vary depending on where you live.
It can take a while to get to a specialist, and there are a variety of factors that could affect your treatment options.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, but early diagnosis can improve your odds of survival and allow you to receive the treatment you need. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms talk to your GP. They can arrange for you see a specialist and refer you to the most reputable mesothelioma hospital. They will run a range of tests to confirm the diagnosis and help you find a treatment that is right for you.
2. Infections Viral
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the linings that surround different organs. It's most often found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however, it can be found in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2700 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK. It's not a cureable cancer, but treatment can help to manage symptoms.
The exposure to asbestos is the most significant factor that causes mesothelioma. The fire-resistant and heat-resistant mineral was used in a variety of construction and building materials before it was banned in the 1970s. Workers who work with or remove these materials, including miners, plumbers and electricians, as well as pipefitters, insulators and renovators of older homes are at risk.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma inhaling or swallowing the small fibers. These fibers can then pierce the mesothelium and create an enlargement. Typically, these tumors are malignant, and they can grow to other areas of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma generally don't show up until decades after exposure. They include shortness of breath, chest pain or abdominal distress. If you have these symptoms, inform your doctor about any asbestos exposure. They should also request an appointment with a mesothelioma specialist to get the right diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics, as well as chemical and environmental factors play a part in mesothelioma. Certain of these elements could cause cocarcinogens - substances that increase the cancer causing potential of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, such as the SV40 are associated with mesothelioma. There is evidence that talcum which is more commonly used by women than men, could be a contributing factor to mesothelioma.
More research is required to determine the cause of mesothelioma. As more information is discovered, doctors will be able to offer better treatment options to reduce the number cases. Although asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause It is essential to recognize other risk factors as well. This can help improve the outcomes of patients and may even help prevent mesothelioma.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are a part of our lives every day and are used to produce in many industries. Industrialization and the growing demand for diverse goods and services has led to an increase in the use of chemical. This has affected the environment and safety of workers particularly for those who are exposed to chemicals or are in contact with them on a regular basis.
There are a number of ways for people to be exposed to chemicals, including ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact. After a chemical is absorbed into the body, it could be more or less harmful depending on the way it is processed by the liver. Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent which can cause liver damage. When ingested the body is able to break down some chemicals into safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
virginia asbestos lawyer to chemicals can trigger a variety of health issues including cancer. Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the organs' linings as well as other structures in the body. Mesothelioma is most commonly related to asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma of the pleura, peritoneal mes or a combination of the two called biphasic mesothelioma. Symptoms typically appear in the lungs and chest wall however, they can also manifest in the abdomen and the heart.
The symptoms of mesothelioma don't generally show up until 20 to 60 years following the initial asbestos exposure. When symptoms begin to manifest, it's important to seek a diagnosis of mesothelioma from a specialist rather than an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are knowledgeable about the different types of asbestos that can trigger mesothelioma and can accurately diagnose this disease by analyzing an individual's exposure history.
Some people who have been exposed to asbestos are unaware that they are at risk of developing the disease. Or, their doctor may not diagnose mesothelioma based on their history. People who have a family member who has mesothelioma might also have an increased risk of developing this cancer. It is crucial to talk to a mesothelioma doctor regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health issues you may be experiencing.
4. Genetics
Certain genes have been discovered to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. Genetic mutations can lead to mesothelioma among people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects mesothelium, a tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Asbestos fibers may penetrate the thin layer of tissue, and as time passes the sharp edges disrupt the balance of genetics within cells. Cells that aren't in proper balance can duplicate themselves and out of control, forming groups of cells that are abnormal. These clumps may become tumors that over time affect organs and tissues around them.
Asbestos exposure is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma, but other causes are also present. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals such as silica or erionite. Others have developed mesothelioma after contact with paint additives that contain asbestos. In the past, asbestos paint was used to protect pipes made of metal. Other asbestos-based products include shingles as well as fireproof fabric.
A genetic defect on chromosome three can also cause mesothelioma. This mutation is a mutation of the BAP1 gene that regulates the channel that moves calcium within cells. When this gene is altered the calcium levels decrease, increasing the risk of cancer resulting from asbestos and other carcinogens.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clusters within some families, even those with no asbestos exposure at work. The affected family members carry the BAP1 gene mutation that predisposes them to mesothelioma. In one mesothelioma-linked family, every affected member carried the same BAP1 gene mutation.
Researchers are trying to discover the causes of mesothelioma. The more information doctors have, more they are able to diagnose and treat mesothelioma early. Recognizing factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in the patient can also assist with prevention.
Smoking and family history are just two of the many risk factors that can be changed. However, certain risk factors are unchangeable. Despite the fact asbestos exposure has decreased due to its ban, mesothelioma is still growing in the number of cases around the world. This is likely because an array of environmental and genetic factors are responsible for the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is likely because men are more likely to work in occupations which expose them to asbestos and also because wives of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos through the clothing of their husbands.