Mesothelioma Causes - Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the thin layer lining various organs. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers when inhaled.
clovis asbestos lawsuit is a tough and fireproof mineral that was used in numerous industries. Workers were exposed to asbestos in ship repairs, construction and in the manufacturing of automobiles. Asbestos clung to workers' clothing and hair, which could have been brought home to relatives.
1. Viral Infections
Certain viruses could result in mesothelioma. These infections can affect the lungs as well as the abdomen. The virus that causes the illness can be genetic. This means that it's passed down from parents to children. The virus can also be caused through exposure to environmental or occupational causes. While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma Researchers continue to investigate other causes such as viral infections.
Asbestos is a class of microscopic fibres that were once commonly used in construction, but are now banned. Exposure to asbestos occurs when the materials are disturbed, usually in the workplace or at home. These fibres may become airborne and be inhaled or swallowed before becoming trapped in the lung's lining, stomach, heart and tests. The fibres can cause irritation to the linings of the body which can result in cell mutations and tumour growth. Mesothelioma grows over time as the tumors continue to grow and expand.
The most common mesothelioma type is mesothelioma of the pleural region, which can be found in the lungs. The second most popular type of mesothelioma is peritoneal, which is found in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is also found in the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) or in the membrane that covers the testes, though these types are far less common.
Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than women and this is related to asbestos exposure in the workplace. Certain mesothelioma patients, including asbestos workers and family members, have no history asbestos exposure. Sometimes this is due to secondhand exposure in which asbestos fibers are found on clothing. Another reason for mesothelioma that is not asbestos-related is the SV40 virus. SV40 is one of the viruses that was injected in the polio vaccine, and it may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Early treatment can help improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients. Researchers will continue to find new ways to treat and prevent disease as they investigate it. For now, the best way to safeguard yourself is to stay away from asbestos and other forms of occupational and environmental exposure. If you are concerned, contact a medical professional. They can assist you in determining whether any symptoms are connected to mesothelioma, or not.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma (lym-po-muh) is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a network of organs and tissues which aids in the fight against the effects of infection. Hodgkin lymphoma as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two most common types. There are more than 70 distinct subtypes of the lymphoma. Many of these have specific causes, for example, exposure to certain viruses or chemicals such as SV40 or radiation therapy or the use of talcum powder which is commonly used by women than men. Mesothelioma is not a type of lymphoma. However, exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing this type of cancer.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral was once used for manufacturing products and building materials. It is durable and fire-proof as well as water-proof. It is still used in flooring tiles and as insulation in older homes. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when they are disturbed, causing people to breathe them in or inhale the fibers. These fibers can become stuck in the thin layer of tissue that covers organs inside the body. Most often mesothelioma is a problem with the tissues of the lungs and abdomen. It can also affect the tissues of the heart and testicles.
Certain people develop mesothelioma even without asbestos exposure. This isn't common, but it's possible. Even if asbestos is present in the air or on clothing worn by a person exposed to asbestos, it can cause mesothelioma. Even those who live near asbestos workers could be exposed. This is known as secondhand exposure, and it has been linked to mesothelioma in some instances.
Researchers are looking into a variety of theories to explain why certain people might develop mesothelioma even if they do not have asbestos exposure in the workplace or from environmental sources. Genetics as well as the SV40 type of radiation treatment called erionite, and other environmental factors, including the use talcum powder, are all possible causes. It is much easier to treat mesothelioma if detected early. This is why it's crucial that doctors are aware of all possible causes. This will allow them identify more cases, and avoid people from being wrongly diagnosed.
3. Hereditary Conditions
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the most common reason, however other factors can also contribute. The disease can also be hereditary and some individuals may have a higher risk for mesothelioma because of their family history.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is tough and resistant to heat, making it an ideal material for many industries. It was used previously in insulation, brakes and shingles, as well as other building materials. Unfortunately, it also is very dangerous. If it is disturbed it releases tiny fibers into the air. Inhaled, these fibers can damage DNA and pierce the lung. This can lead to the formation of tumors in the lungs and other parts of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident for a long time after asbestos exposure. However, the disease can, develop much more quickly than expected due to a variety of causes. Asbestos particles can clog the lungs, leading to inflammation. Inflammation may trigger cell mutations. Tumors may develop which can lead to mesothelioma that is malignant.
Pleural mesothelioma, the most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is the most frequent. It occurs when asbestos-related tumors form in the lining of the chest cavity and lung (pleura). Another type of mesothelioma, mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, occurs when asbestos-related tumors develop in the peritoneum, the protective layer that surrounds the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma that occurs in the vicinity of the heart, is less common.
Some patients develop mesothelioma, but without a history of asbestos exposure. This can occur because of a genetic disorder known as Lynch syndrome which is associated with the tumor-suppressing gene BAP1. Genetic mutations of this gene could increase the risk of developing mesothelioma. However, it does not necessarily lead to the disease.
There are other potential causes of mesothelioma that are not listed, such as certain environmental factors as well as radiation therapy. It is essential to speak with an expert if you experience any symptoms or signs of mesothelioma. This is especially true if you were exposed to asbestos. Workers who were involved in the construction industry or other fields that involve asbestos are at a higher risk than other. However, even non-workers may be at a higher risk of contracting the disease if they live or work near an asbestos facility.
4. Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure occurs when a person inhales or swallows harmful substances. Chemical exposure can also happen when a person comes into contact with contaminated materials. The exposure can cause various diseases such as mesothelioma.
Chemicals and pollutants can be harmful when inhaled because they may cause irritation to the linings of the stomach or lungs and cause cells to undergo a mutation. These mutations can result in the growth of cancerous tumors. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos, but as well as other chemical exposures.
Asbestos is a mineral used in a variety of products because it's durable and resistant to fire. When asbestos is disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into the air. These fibres are easily inhaled, swallowed, or ingested. People who are exposed to a large amount of asbestos are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than people who aren't.
The severity of mesothelioma varies on how long and how frequently a person was exposed to asbestos. Asbestos victims usually develop mesothelioma during their 50s, 60s or 70s, as they near retirement age. This is due to the fact that it can take between 20 to 60 years for mesothelioma to develop after someone's initial exposure.
Mesothelioma is more common in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work. Workers who were exposed to asbestos in the military are also at higher risk of developing mesothelioma particularly those who worked on Navy vessels. This is due to asbestos being often used on naval vessels.
Mesothelioma risks are elevated if a person has an extended family history or has received radiation therapy for chest. There is also a chance of developing mesothelioma if you've never been exposed to asbestos.
A small proportion of mesothelioma cases is not caused by asbestos. These mesotheliomas are typically either pleural, peritoneal or common in women. Most of these cases involve people with a hereditary mesothelioma gene however a tiny percentage of these patients have a gene that has been altered by the SV40 virus. This virus is able to suppress the immune system, making mesothelioma a lot more likely to develop.