Mesothelioma Causes Besides Asbestos
People who have been exposed to asbestos are at the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. The cancer can develop in the lining of the lungs as well as the stomach and heart. Asbestos fibers can cause cancer if they're trapped in tissues for a number of years.
Asbestos exposure usually occurs in the workplace. The workers include coal miners shipyard workers, shipyard employees and military veterans.
1. Smoking
Many people believe that smoking is a mesothelioma cause however this isn't the situation. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the linings of certain organs and cavities, more commonly in the peritoneum or the pleura. Asbestos fibers can get into these linings and cause genetic changes that cause cancer. Smoking can also affect these linings, causing irritation to the lungs, however it does not cause mesothelioma in the first place.
Asbestos exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma for certain people. People with a family mesothelioma history are at a higher risk, as are those employed in blue-collar trades that require frequent exposure to asbestos, and those who live with someone who is exposed to asbestos. Mesothelioma sufferers typically carry asbestos-containing fibers in their clothing home, which can be a danger to other people.
Mesothelioma develops gradually, between 15 to 60 years after exposure. The majority of cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in patients who are aged 65 or over. It's unclear the reason why men are more likely to develop mesothelioma more than women. Some possible explanations include secondhand exposure from wives of mesothelioma victims, a virus called SV40 that can make people more vulnerable to radiation treatments and asbestos for other ailments.
Asbestos remains one of the main causes of mesothelioma. Its use is now prohibited in the United States, but there are still many asbestos-related diseases that are yet to be treated and diagnosed. It is important to keep studying other mesothelioma causing chemicals, such as talcum, in order to stop the development of new cases mesothelioma and improve the outcomes for those already suffering from it. These studies will also help identify early signs of mesothelioma so that it can be treated as swiftly as possible.
2. Alcohol
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that lines organs within the body. Most often, it is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was a poisonous mineral that was utilized in a number of blue collar jobs prior to the 1980s. Asbestos was utilized in construction, shipbuilding and other industries. Asbestos workers inhaled or swallowed the dangerous fibers, which were then deposited in the mesothelium. As the cells grew in uncontrollable numbers and tumors grew within the tissue. The most prevalent mesothelioma form is malignant pleural melanoma, that begins in the lining of the chest cavity and lung. Other mesothelioma forms start in the abdomen or in the region around the heart.
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma due to the fact that the fibers are entangled in the lungs and abdominal walls. As the fibers damage the tissues for decades, they may cause tumors to expand. The most frequent symptoms are breathlessness (dyspnea) as well as fluid in the lung (pleural effusion) and pain in the abdomen or chest. Mesothelioma symptoms are also confused with other ailments, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
The severity of symptoms may differ based on the type of mesothelioma and the location of the mass or tumor. Mesothelioma patients typically are diagnosed at an advanced stage and have a poor prognosis. The cancer cannot be cured however, treatments can prolong the patient's quality of life. The most common treatments include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Some doctors also employ pleurodesis. This procedure helps to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. In this procedure, a chemical is injected in the lungs, making the lining stick together and scar. This helps prevent fluid build-up.
3. malignant mesothelioma causes is a form of cancer that affects the organs' linings in the chest or abdomen. The most common symptoms are the coughing of blood, abdominal or chest discomfort and fatigue. People with mesothelioma may also experience a hoarse sound and an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen or lungs.
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. The mineral is found underground in rock and soil deposits. Prior to the 1980s, asbestos was employed in shipbuilding, construction and other industries. Construction workers, plumbers and electricians are at a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases. They may inhale or ingest asbestos fibers and carry them home on their clothing, skin or hair. Families with asbestos workers also have a higher risk of developing mesothelioma.
The most commonly used asbestos type is chrysotile. This kind of asbestos has white, curly fibers. Amphibole, amosite and Crocidolite are all other forms of asbestos. All asbestos types can cause mesothelioma.
When asbestos fibers become stuck in organ linings they can cause DNA damage and lead to tumors. The tumors can then spread to other organs and tissues. Mesothelioma can form in the linings of the lungs or abdomen (peritoneum), and other areas of your body including the heart or tests.
The symptoms usually do not manifest until decades after exposure to asbestos. Most mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure at work, but some cases have been diagnosed in those who do not work at high-risk occupations or do not recall being exposed to asbestos while working. Secondhand asbestos exposure can also cause mesothelioma, for example when someone brings asbestos fibers home on their skin or clothing.
4. Hepatitis C
Mesothelioma is one of the most deadly cancers according to medical science. It is a cancer that develops on the lining of organs, such as the abdomen, lungs and heart. Asbestos, a class of minerals that form of bundles of fibers, is the primary cause of mesothelioma. The exposure to asbestos is associated to lung diseases such as asbestosis, as well as mesothelioma.
The most well-known type of mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs (pleura). Other, less common types of mesothelioma can be found in the lining around the abdomen or around the heart. Scientists have discovered that specific viruses, such as SV40 are linked to mesothelioma. However asbestos exposure remains the primary cause of mesothelioma.
Many workers in mining, construction and shipyard work are at risk of asbestos exposure. Exposure to asbestos from secondhand sources can be a danger for those who have had or worked with people exposed to asbestos. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is terrifying and overwhelming, particularly if the victim does not know the cause of the disease.
Mesothelioma occurs most often in people who have had asbestos exposure at work or at home. This includes workers from construction, shipyard and auto mechanic jobs. Anyone who have a family history of mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related illnesses are also at risk.
Even a small amount of exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma and there is no safe amount of exposure. Certain mesothelioma patients have never been exposed to asbestos. However, scientists have found that a person's genetic predisposition or other factors can increase their vulnerability to mesothelioma. For example, those who receive the polio vaccination created with SV40 are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma since they were given multiple doses of SV40.
5. Asthma
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is caused by asbestos fibres. These fibres can become lodged in the lining (pleura) of the lung for many years. They cause irritation to the pleura, and cause changes (mutations) in the cells. These mutations can result in malignant tumours of mesothelioma. In some cases, asbestos fibres are swallowed or sucked up. This can cause cancer of the peritoneal region.
About 80% of those diagnosed with mesothelioma are victims of exposure to asbestos. The risk increases when exposure is extended and intensified. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more prone to risk than those who were exposed at home. Before it was banned asbestos was used extensively as an insulation and fire retardant material in homes and businesses. It also made its way into various kinds of construction and repair materials. Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals that include chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite.
If you think you have mesothelioma, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will conduct an examination and will ask you about your exposure to asbestos. Your doctor may also recommend imaging scans like CT scans, MRI and PET. X-rays can also be used to detect mesothelioma signs in other areas of your body.
It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. The symptoms and signs of mesothelioma may be similar to other diseases. Therefore, mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. Always consult a specialist for this. You can locate mesothelioma specialists by asking your general oncologist to refer you. Alternatively, you can find a mesothelioma doctor on our online database. This directory includes experienced mesothelioma specialists from across the country.