Blog entry by Ervin Kirchner
Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin membrane that lines the chest or abdomen. Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause, and the risk increases with the duration and intensity of asbestos exposure.
Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma might be wondering how they came to it. A mesothelioma lawyer can help them identify potential asbestos exposure sources.
1. Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an unusual form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) or tummy (peritoneum). It is often related to asbestos exposure and can take 20 to 40 years to develop. It is not the same as lung cancer and is very rare, affecting only one in 100,000 people in Australia each year.
Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of strong, microscopic fibers. It was used in thousands of industrial, commercial and residential products, including pipes, insulation, drywall tiles, glues, tiles, and cement. The asbestos type that is most often associated with mesothelioma lawsuit is called the chrysotile asbestos. The highest risk is posed by those who work with asbestos every day, including construction workers, shipyard workers asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle asbestos, mix or remove it. Men are more likely than women to have been in occupations that exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma.
If you're diagnosed with mesothelioma your doctor will examine your medical history and determine your diagnosis using a variety of tools. This includes a physical examination as well as chest x-rays and lung function tests. They will also ask you about your work, cultural and family history. If they suspect that you have mesothelioma they will refer you to an expert.
The number of referrals you receive will depend on the location you are in.
It may take some time to find an expert and there are a variety of factors that could affect the treatment options.
Early detection can improve your chances of survival, and you will be able receive the treatment that you need. If you have any symptoms, speak to your GP. They can arrange for you to see an expert and refer you to the most reputable mesothelioma clinic. They will run various tests to confirm your diagnosis and assist you in finding the appropriate treatment for you.
2. Infections Viral
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that grows in the linings surrounding different organs. It is most commonly found in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) however it can also be found in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardial mesothelioma). More than 2700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma lawsuit every year in the UK. The cancer is not curable but treatment can control symptoms.
Exposure to asbestos is the most significant factor that causes mesothelioma. The heat- and fireproof mineral was used to create various construction and building materials until it was banned in 1970. Workers who handled or removed these materials, like electricians, miners, plumbers, insulators, pipefitters and remodelers of older homes are at risk of exposure.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through swallowing or inhaling the tiny fibers. The fibers can penetrate the lining of the mesothelium and cause an increase in the size of the tumor. Most often, these tumors are malignant and may grow to other areas of the body.
The symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't appear until decades after exposure. They can include breathlessness, chest pain or abdominal pain. A person with these symptoms should inform their doctor about their asbestos exposure background. They should also request an appointment with mesothelioma specialists for the correct diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers believe that genetics as well as chemical and environmental factors are involved in mesothelioma. Some of these factors may act as cocarcinogens. These are chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer of other chemicals. Studies have also shown that viruses, such as the SV40 could be linked with mesothelioma. There is evidence that the talcum powder, utilized more frequently by women than men, may contribute to the disease.
More research is needed to determine the cause of mesothelioma. As more information is uncovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment options and hopefully reduce the number of cases. Although asbestos is the most frequent cause of mesothelioma, it is important to also recognize other risks. This will improve the outcomes for patients and help prevent mesothelioma forming in the first place.
3. Chemical Exposure
Chemicals are an integral part of our daily lives and are utilized in a variety of industries for the production of. Industrial development and the demand for a variety of goods and services has led to an increase in the use of chemicals. This has had a negative effect on the environment and workers' safety, especially for those who frequently work with chemicals.
Chemicals can be absorbed into the body through inhalation, ingestion and skin contact. Once a chemical has been absorbed into the bloodstream, it can be toxic or not depending on the liver's processing. For instance carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent, is now recognized to cause liver damage. Once ingested, some chemicals can be broken down by the body to safer substances. This process is known as metabolism.
Exposure to chemicals can trigger a variety of health issues including cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the organ's lining and structures inside the body known as the mesothelium. Mesothelioma usually develops following asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos may cause pleural or peritoneal cancers, or a combination of both, referred to as biphasic. Symptoms are typically seen in the lungs and chest wall but they may also be seen in the abdomen and heart.
The signs of mesothelioma do not usually appear until 20 to 60 years following the first asbestos exposure. When symptoms appear it is important to seek a mesothelioma diagnose from a specialist rather than an oncologist. Mesothelioma specialists are well-versed in the different types of asbestos that cause mesothelioma and can accurately diagnose this condition based on an individual'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 doesn't believe mesothelioma is the right diagnosis in light of their exposure background. If you have a family member with mesothelioma lawsuits may also have an increased chance of developing this type of cancer. It is crucial to talk to a mesothelioma doctor regarding your exposure to asbestos and any health issues you may be suffering from.
4. Genetics
Studies have found that certain genes can increase the risk of mesothelioma. Genetic mutations can lead to mesothelioma among people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma, a cancerous condition of mesothelium (the tissue that covers the majority of internal organs), is a cancerous condition. Asbestos fibres can enter the thin layer of tissue and sharp edges can disrupt the genetic balance of cells in time. Cells that don't have the proper balance can duplicate themselves and out of control, creating clusters of abnormal cells. Over time, these clumps can become tumors that damage surrounding organs and tissues.
Other causes of mesothelioma are also present which include asbestos exposure. Certain patients have developed mesothelioma due to exposure to minerals such as silica or erionite. Some have developed mesothelioma after contact with a paint additive known as 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 mutation in chromosome 3 can also lead to mesothelioma. This mutation is caused by a mutation in the BAP1 gene. The BAP1 gene controls the channel which moves calcium inside cells. When this gene is altered the calcium levels decrease, increasing the risk of developing cancer due to carcinogens like asbestos.
Scientists have observed mesothelioma clusters within certain families, even those who have not had any asbestos exposure in the workplace. The affected family members have the BAP1 gene mutation that leads them to mesothelioma. In one family with a mesothelioma connection that was affected by all members had the same BAP1 mutation.
Researchers are working to find out the causes of mesothelioma. The more knowledge doctors have the better able they are to recognize and treat mesothelioma attorneys. Identifying the factors that increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma could help with prevention, too.
Smoking and family history are just two of the risk factors that can be altered. Some risk factors however are not permanent. Despite the fact that exposure to asbestos has decreased due to the ban on mesothelioma, cases of mesothelioma lawsuit continue to rise across the globe. This is likely due to environmental and genetic factors are responsible for the disease. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women. This is likely due to the fact that men are more likely to work in jobs in the industrial sector that have heavy asbestos exposure, and because wives of asbestos workers may be exposed to asbestos that is on the clothes of their husbands.