What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that breaks down into microscopic fibers. When these fibers are disturbed, they become airborne and people can breathe them in. When inhaled, these fibres can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Asbestos exposure is only the one confirmed cause mesothelioma. Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos causes mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes irritation and alters the cells of the lung's lining, abdomen, heart or tests.
1. Smoking
Mesothelioma is a rare and fatal cancer. It affects a thin layer of tissue covering most internal organs. It can develop in the tissue that surrounds each lung (pleural
mesothelioma attorney) or in the lining of the abdomen and chest cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). It can also grow around the heart and testicles (pericardial pleural mesothelioma).
Asbestos is one of the minerals made up of tiny fibres. It was utilized in buildings as well as vehicles and a variety of other products from the 1930s through the early 1980s due to the fact that it was affordable and durable as well as fireproof. Workers who worked with asbestos, including electricians, shipbuilders, and steelworkers, were the most at risk. Mesothelioma patients usually develop cancer for decades after exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma cases is caused by asbestos exposure however there are a few patients who do not have a cause that is known to be external. These patients may have genetic or environmental risk factors.
Several mesotheliomas have been linked to germline mutations in BAP1. These are usually found in families that have an history of other cancers. A small number of mesotheliomas are linked with the SV40 virus. SV40 can trigger genes that encourage the growth of tumors. In the 1950s, 1960s, it was utilized to treat polio. Researchers have found that talcum powder can increase the risk of mesothelioma. It is believed that women who reside with men who worked around asbestos absorb the tiny fibres on their clothing.
2. Alcohol
Mesothelioma symptoms can manifest anywhere between 20 to 60 years after exposure to asbestos. That's why it is important to inform your doctor of your asbestos exposure history and request tests for mesothelioma that could be a possibility. It's also important to find an expert in mesothelioma to ensure you get the best treatment and care.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers are trapped in the mesothelium a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the organs and tissues of your body. The fibers enter the cells and cause inflammation that could lead to tumors. The most common symptom of mesothelioma is a shortness of breath. Other symptoms include abdominal pain and chest pain.
The inflammation from mesothelioma can cause the lungs' swell up, making it difficult for patients to breathe. It can also lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, called the pleural effusion. The ability to control the build-up of fluid can aid in reducing breathlessness.
Smoking cigarettes increases the chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses like mesothelioma. Smoking can alter the function of lung tissue, which can impact the lungs' capacity to eliminate asbestos fibers.
Other lifestyle factors may increase the risk of mesothelioma such as a genetic predisposition or an impaired immune system. These factors can include mesothelioma in the family or smoking and the SV40 virus, which is associated with mesothelioma in a few studies. These factors can also impact the time it takes mesothelioma to diagnose and treat.
3. Drugs
Mesothelioma develops when the genetic makeup of a person changes (mutates). As these mutations increase the cells become uncontrollable and grow abnormal tumors.
There are many mesothelioma forms and the symptoms vary based on the organ or body system is affected. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of this cancer. It is found in the lungs and is identified by chest pain, coughing, and shortness breath. Peritoneal mesothelioma, less common but still serious is located in the lining of the abdomen. Both forms can have symptoms that are similar to other illnesses making it difficult to identify.
The exposure to asbestos is the most common reason for mesothelioma. This naturally occurring mineral consists of a clumping of thin, long and extremely strong fibers that are that are found in both rocks and soil. It was extensively used during the 20th century to make building materials, car parts and other products before scientists discovered its dangers to health.
When asbestos fibers are disturbed they can become airborne. They can be breathed in and swallowed. They can end up in the lung linings or stomach, causing irritation. This can lead to mesothelioma. Most people who get mesothelioma are exposed at work. Workers in the construction and manufacturing industries and automobile, railroad, and shipbuilders, are at risk. Families of these workers also face an increased risk, because they could breathe in and inhale asbestos fibers while their loved ones work.
4. Alcoholism
Symptoms of mesothelioma can differ, but the majority of sufferers experience at the very least shortness of breath and trouble breathing (dyspnea). Some patients also experience chest pain, abdominal pain or a general sense of malaise.
Mesothelioma starts in the tissue that covers your lungs and other organs. The malignant mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers become stuck in this tissue, causing it to expand abnormally. The tissue takes a long time to grow into tumors. Once it does develop, cancerous cells are formed. Mesothelioma can be classified into four types. The most prevalent 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. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that's used in many industries to create pipes, insulation, and other products. The majority of people who develop mesothelioma were exposed in the workplace either directly or through the air. Miners, construction workers, and shipyard employees are most likely to be exposed.
Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females, and the disease typically occurs in people who are 50 years old or older. This may be because more men than women have been employed in occupations that involve exposure to asbestos. BAP1 is a rare genetic mutation that has been linked to mesothelioma.
5. Alcohol abuse
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibres can lead to mesothelioma. This is a form of cancer. Even the smallest asbestos particles can enter the lungs, abdomen or heart, where they cause tissue irritation and damage. Certain asbestos-related illnesses don't manifest until years after exposure.
The first symptoms of mesothelioma include breathlessness, chest pain or abdominal discomfort. Many who suffer from these symptoms don't realize that they have mesothelioma until seeing an expert for other health issues. It is essential to inform your doctor about any previous history of asbestos exposure. This can help you receive an accurate and quicker diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Asbestos exposure typically causes mesothelioma of the pleural region, which is formed in the lung. Other types of
mesothelioma lawyer include peritoneal and pericardial, which originate in the abdomen and around the heart respectively. People who are at risk of developing mesothelioma usually worked in industries that utilized asbestos, including construction, shipbuilding, and energy production. Veterans in the military were also exposed to asbestos when it was used in naval vessels and barracks.
Radiation therapy and SV40 and BAP1 viruses are also risk factors. Mesothelioma may also be caused by the mineral erionite. It shares a structure to asbestos. Scientists have found that disulfiram, also known as Antabuse which is used to help alcoholics overcome addiction by preventing the body's ability to process alcohol, can hinder mesothelioma cells from growing.
6. Cancer
Patients suffering from mesothelioma must be aware of the root cause of their condition. This information helps them understand and prevent future cases. Mesothelioma is typically caused by exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of flexible fibers that resist electricity and fire. Asbestos was extensively used in the construction industry until it was banned. These tiny fibres can be inhaled, which causes the stomach's lining or lungs to grow into a cancerous cells. Typically, symptoms don't appear until 20 years after exposure.
Many Americans were exposed to asbestos during their working life, especially those working in industrial jobs. The risk increases depending on the amount of asbestos and time of exposure. Painting, insulation and roofing are common occupations which require asbestos exposure.
Other causes of mesothelioma are the SV40 virus and Erionite. Treatment for radiation as well as genetic mutations and erionite are also factors. Some of them are linked to asbestos while others aren't. For example a germline mutation in BAP1 in a few families may increase the risk of mesothelioma, but it is extremely rare.
Even if a patient does not recall any mesothelioma exposures however, they should seek medical treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the mesothelioma outlook. Also, an experienced
mesothelioma lawyer could be able to help identify potential sources of exposure and compensation. This is because a
mesothelioma lawyer has the resources and experience to look into possible causes of asbestos exposure.