Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
While asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, it has also been linked to other factors such as erionite SV40 and radiation. Understanding the other causes could help doctors identify and treat the condition early.
When people breathe asbestos fibers, tiny particles can become lodged in the lining of their chest cavity. The needle-like fibers may alter the DNA of mesothelial cells and lead to mesothelioma-related tumors.
1. Silica
Asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause. However, exposure to other mineral fibers and certain chemicals can also cause mesothelioma. This is particularly the case with peritoneal me. Silica is a naturally occurring element that is found in crystals and sand. Silica-based workers working in construction, mining or hydraulic fracturing could be exposed to particles in the air that belong to this chemical. These particles may be breathed deep into the lungs, where they can cause irritation to lung tissue. The irritation can alter the DNA of the cells surrounding it which can cause cancer.
Silica and asbestos exposure increase the risk of mesothelioma. Asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause, but silica is less likely cause peritoneal cancer.
The majority of people with a mesothelioma background were exposed to asbestos while at work. Asbestos was employed in construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding activities throughout much of the United States, allowing asbestos fibers to enter workplaces. When asbestos fibers were released into the air, workers in these industries breathed them in or consumed them on clothing and equipment. Workers brought these fibers home with them on their clothing and exposed their families too, resulting in secondary exposure.
Asbestos fibers, after they enter the body, get stuck in the mesothelium layer that covers the lungs and organs. The needle-like particles infected the tissues for years, until DNA of nearby cells changed and cancer formed. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until 30 to 60 years after the initial exposure.
Avoiding asbestos exposure is the best way to avoid mesothelioma. Follow workplace safety regulations and report any asbestos-related dangers. Don't take home any clothing or work gear that could contain asbestos. Employ a professional asbestos removal service to check your home. Avoid buying antique or vintage products that could have been constructed by asbestos. Instead, buy talc-free cosmetics and personal care products. Anyone with an asbestos-related history should speak to their doctor about mesothelioma screening.
2. Erionite
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was employed in various industrial applications prior to its ban. When medical and scientific evidence was discovered to link asbestos to mesothelioma, its use was discontinued. The link was not recognized until much later. Many of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos.
While asbestos is still a major mesothelioma cause however, other substances have been linked to cancer. Erionite is a fibrous zeolite mined in the United States. Several studies have shown that exposure to erionite may lead to mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that erionite can alter the balance between proliferating cells (and abnormal DNA repairs) and Apoptosis. This is a normal way of getting rid of cells that have been transformed or multiplying.
It can take several years for someone to develop mesothelioma after first exposure to the mineral. In this period it can be difficult to determine if the disease was caused by asbestos or another reason for exposure. In addition, the mesothelioma can develop in lungs that have been previously damaged due to other lung diseases, such as asbestos.
Due to these limitations, it's essential to examine the medical history of a patient to determine if they've been exposed either to asbestos or to erionite. This can be done by the review of chest radiographs as well as CT scanners, as well as by analyzing biomarkers of mesothelioma like Pleural nodules and plaques in the pleural region.
The most prevalent mesothelioma type affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma). Other types may be found in the stomach's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma), testicles (peritoneal mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma) and heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work, usually because they worked in industries that employed the toxic material. It is also possible to contract the disease from exposure to asbestos through secondhand sources. This is when workers bring asbestos fibers home on their clothes and equipment, exposing family members to the harmful substance. This form of mesothelioma is generally less serious than the asbestos-related type of the disease.
3. Other Minerals
Asbestos is among the most hazardous natural substances found on earth however it's not the only factor that causes mesothelioma. Other minerals such as silica or Erionite have also been associated to cancer. Asbestos is by far the most well-known cause of cancer.
Asbestos may cause irritation to the tissues that line the chest cavity, abdomen, and the heart, which can lead to mesothelioma tumours. Asbestos is the most frequently exposed to when working with it, especially during renovations to buildings and mining. However, even exposure to asbestos can lead to the illness. Some people may develop mesothelioma after using asbestos-containing products such as brake pads and insulation.
The process that causes mesothelioma can be complex and involves several steps. The first step is to ensure that asbestos fibers be removed from their original place. This usually happens in the course of building construction, mining and vehicle or ship maintenance. The fibers are then breathed in or ingested by workers, which adhere to the lung linings and other organs. Mesothelioma may then develop when the cells in the linings begin to change and transform into malignant tumors.
Most patients diagnosed with mesothelioma had an asbestos-related exposure history. Past exposure typically accounts for 70% to 80% of the cases. It takes around 20 years for symptoms after asbestos exposure to begin to manifest. Other factors, such as sex, age and gender, can increase a person's likelihood of developing mesothelioma.
Those who have mesothelioma that is a family trait are also more likely to be diagnosed with the mesothelioma. This is because family members can inherit genetic mutations that make them more prone to develop certain diseases like mesothelioma.
While researchers have studied several possible mesothelioma-related causes, asbestos remains the most common. Some studies have shown that only a tiny percentage of mesotheliomas can be traced back to asbestos. This could be due to different study designs, differing opinions about what jobs require significant asbestos exposure, and different methods of using asbestos from amphibole to chrysotile among countries. The number of mesotheliomas that spontaneously occur is also lower than the number currently reported.
4. Other Chemicals
Asbestos-related diseases are often caused by exposure to chemicals. Examples include silica, erionite and other chemical. These chemicals might not cause mesothelioma, but they can irritate mesotheliums and increase the risk of developing cancer. This is especially relevant when mesothelioma tumor cells undergo mutation. Coughing, chest pain abdominal pain, shortness breath and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma mainly occurs due to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a grouping of strong, microscopic fibers that are extremely durable. Asbestos, which is resistant to fire, heat and sound, was employed in a variety of products from the 1930s until the 1980s. The manufacturers were aware of the dangers, but didn't tell the public.
Asbestos exposure can trigger a variety of mesothelioma types. The most frequent type is pleural, which forms around the lungs. It may also occur in the chest lining (pericardium) or abdomen (peritoneum). A rare mesothelioma form, testicular mesothelioma, occurs when asbestos fibers penetrate the testes' lining.
People who are exposed to asbestos through environmental or occupational exposure have the highest rates of mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma can also develop in those who were exposed to asbestos from secondhand sources through the handling of garments worn by someone else or other materials at home. Some people even develop mesothelioma as a result of receiving radiation therapy for a different cancer.
Often, mesothelioma symptoms develop slowly and do not become apparent until they are in the advanced stages. This is why it is important for patients to be attentive and consult their doctor if they have any unusual or persistent symptoms. A mesothelioma specialist can help patients asbestos lung mesothelioma understand the signs and provide a correct diagnosis. Patients should request their oncologist to refer them to a specialist for mesothelioma in order to avoid misdiagnosis. This will ensure that they receive the most effective treatment.