Mesothelioma - What is Mesothelioma Caused From?
Mesothelioma is a virulent type of cancer that typically is caused by exposure to asbestos. It typically attacks organ linings in the chest or abdomen.
Asbestos is a class of microfibers that were extensively used in the construction industry. Mesothelioma is a disease that can take 20 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.
Exposure to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of organs, primarily in the lungs (pleura) and abdomen. It is a kind of malignant mesothelial tumor that may take 15 to 50 years after exposure to begin developing. Asbestos is an assortment of minerals that contain tiny fibers. It was extensively used as a building material and other products because of its resistance to heat, fire, and chemicals.
Exposure to asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. As high as 80 percent of mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma is most common in those who work with asbestos, particularly those who handle it daily. People who have not worked with asbestos in their past, but reside near asbestos-related sites could also be at risk. They could be exposed to asbestos from breathing in airborne particles, or dust that they have brought home on their clothing or hair.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos can develop mesothelioma symptoms at any time in their life. These symptoms include shortness in breathing, chest pain and fluid in the lungs. Mesothelioma can take between 30 and 50 years to develop following the initial exposure to asbestos.
mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what can cause mesothelioma various areas of the human body. Pleural mesothelioma occurs by asbestos fibers that get stuck in the lining of the lungs. Asbestos that is stuck in the lining of the stomach (peritoneum) can cause mesothelioma of the peritoneal region, and asbestos that sticks to the lining of the heart can cause pericardial melanoma.
Military personnel are more at risk of mesothelioma due to the fact that all branches used asbestos extensively in ships, bases planes, and other vehicles. Veterans who worked in the Navy's engine rooms as well as gun turrets, electrical systems, and gun turrets for instance, are likely to have been exposed to asbestos. The most frequent mesothelioma types are pleural and peritoneal, however, the disease can manifest in any area of the body's lining. People with mesothelioma should discuss their asbestos history with their doctor.
Exposure to Erionite
Mesothelioma develops from exposure to asbestos fibres, however, there are rare instances where people have developed the disease after being exposed to erionite. It's a form of mineral that's closely related to asbestos. Erionite is a kind of the zeolite mineral, which is a natural rock that's part of the same mineral family as asbestos. Erionite is a dark brown or black color, and has needle-like fibers that can bore through the lungs and get lodged in the body. Researchers discovered that pleural mesothelioma, a cancer of lining the lung, was more common in villages in Central Anatolia in Turkey where Erionite was a common. The erionite-related mesothelioma was caused by inhalation of the mineral's fine, needle-like fibres.
Researchers examined the relationship between erionite and asbestos and discovered that it was more mesotheliomagenic. The researchers then looked into the pulmonary pathology in patients from these villages and concluded that erionite is the primary cause of the disease. Shortness of breath (pleural effusion) and fluid on the lungs, loss in appetite and body weight as well as obstruction of the intestines are all symptoms of mesothelioma.
Up until recently, erionite wasn't generally considered to be a mesothelioma risk in North America because the disease's symptoms take decades to appear. However, the discovery that many residents of western North Dakota have been breathing in erionite-contaminated gravel dust for decades has prompted concern about this new mesothelioma risk.
The erionite that's found in the southwest United States is a fibrous variety that's mined for road construction and is used as a component in cement for masonry. The researchers' findings show that fine dust particles of erionite can be released by machinery into the air, and then become airborne after drying. Air samples taken along roadsides and inside vehicles in North Dakota equaled or exceeded concentrations in the Turkish village of Boyali in which 6.25 percent of mesothelioma cases were related to exposure to erionite. Experts cannot determine if those living in the United States are at an increased risk of mesothelioma until the exposure to erionite in United States has been properly evaluated.
Exposure to radiation
Radiation is the energy that is released by atoms. It can be released in waves or particles across the body. Certain kinds of radiation can cause cancer, like high-energy X rays used to detect mesothelioma of the pulmonary lining and chest CT scans that are performed in patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma. Inhaling radioactive particles may increase a patient's risk of developing mesothelioma. These particles are most likely to be found in the lungs. Doctors may also employ low-dose radiotherapy to treat mesothelioma in patients suffering from pleural forms of the disease.
Mesothelioma may occur in the lining of the lungs (pleura) or in the tissues surrounding the organs in the stomach (peritoneum). It is usually malignant, and it can be detected at any stage of progression. The cancer is categorized by stages and Stage 1 is localized and affecting just the area of the mesothelium where it started. In contrast, Stage 4 mesothelioma has expanded to other areas of the body.
Mesothelioma symptoms include abdominal or chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. These symptoms might not be evident until the cancer has reached an advanced stage when it becomes more easy to diagnose. Patients with mesothelioma generally suffer from a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath weight loss, a decrease in weight, and fatigue. The lungs are the most affected organ however, it could also affect other organs such as the heart, brain, and others.
The treatment for mesothelioma consists of radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. A doctor will determine the best treatment for patients based on the type of cancer, its stage and genetics.
Smoking and having family members with the disease may increase someone's risk for mesothelioma. About one percent of mesothelioma cases are hereditary which means that the cancer is passed from parents to children through genetics. A person's family history can help doctors determine the most appropriate tests for a person. The most commonly used tests include MRIs, which use radio waves and powerful magnetic fields to create detailed images of soft tissue within the body. Another option is positron-emission Tomography (PET) where small amounts of radioactive compound is injected, and then pictures of cancer cells are captured. The cancerous cells will absorb the radioactive compound and come better than surrounding tissue on the images.
Genetics
Many cancers are linked to genetics, which is why it's important to know your family background. It will help doctors discover mutations or genes that may increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. However, the primary risk factor for mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos.
Mesothelioma develops by asbestos fibers that penetrate cells and disrupt the natural DNA balance. Mesothelial cancer cells multiply uncontrollably and clump together to create tumors. This process is why mesothelioma is able to affect many different parts of the body.
Mesothelioma is treated by doctors through chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Treatment is based on the type of cancer, where it started and whether the cancer has progressed.
X-rays or CT scans are used to look for mesothelioma-related symptoms. They can reveal an accumulation of mesothelioma in the lung's lining, or fluid that is leaking from the chest cavity. Doctors may also perform tests on blood to determine whether cancerous cells are growing and whether they've expanded.
Mesothelioma can begin in the tissue layer that covers your lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or the tissues around the organs in your abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). It's also possible to have both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma at the same time.
The most popular treatments for mesothelioma include surgeries such as pleural pleurectomy or pleural biopsy or targeted therapies like immunotherapy. Certain patients may be more responsive to chemotherapy or drugs.
Lawyers who specialize in mesothelioma may assist patients suffering from the disease to get the money they deserve. These funds can help pay for medical bills, funeral expenses, and other costs that are associated with the disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma it's important to contact an experienced mesothelioma attorney right now. Our team will determine if you're qualified to file a mesothelioma suit and provide you with the best legal representation possible. We offer free consultations with no obligation. Contact us today by filling out the form on this page or by calling us to discuss your needs. We serve clients nationwide.