Mesothelioma Causes - Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the thin layer lining several organs. Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma, which can occur when asbestos fibers are breathed in.
Asbestos is a durable and fireproof mineral that was employed in a variety of industries. Workers were exposed to asbestos during construction, ship repair, and manufacturing of automobiles. Asbestos was also discovered on the hair and clothing of workers, which could have been brought home by family members.
1. Viral Infections
Mesothelioma can be caused by certain viruses. These infections can affect the abdomen, lungs, and the heart. The virus that causes the illness could be genetic, meaning that it is inherited from one's parents. The virus could also be triggered by occupational or environmental exposure. While asbestos is the most common mesothelioma cause however, researchers continue to investigate other causes, including viral infections.
Asbestos is comprised of microscopic fibers that were used in the construction industry, but are now banned. The exposure to asbestos occurs when the materials are disturbed, typically in the workplace or at home. These fibres can be inhaled and swallowed, and they can be found in the linings of the lungs and stomach, the heart, and the tests. The fibres cause irritation to the linings, which can lead to cancer growth and cell mutations. Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops as the tumours grow and spread.
The most prevalent form of mesothelioma occurs in the lungs. The second most frequent type of mesothelioma, called peritoneal mesotheli is located in the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma is also found in the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) or in the membrane that protects the testes, although these types are far less common.
Men are more likely than women to develop mesothelioma and this is related to occupational asbestos exposure that is high. However, some patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have no history of asbestos exposure, including relatives of asbestos workers. Sometimes buffalo asbestos lawsuit is due to exposure through secondhand where asbestos fibres are ingested on clothing. Another reason for mesothelioma not related to asbestos is the SV40 virus. SV40 is a virus that is used in the polio vaccination, may increase the chance of developing mesothelioma.
Early treatment can improve outcomes for mesothelioma patients. Researchers will continue to find new ways to treat and prevent the disease as they study it. For now, the most effective way to protect yourself is to avoid asbestos and other types of environmental and occupational exposure. See a doctor in case you have any concerns. They can assist you in determining if symptoms are related to asbestosis or not.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma (lym-po-muh) is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a system of organs and tissues which aids in the fight against the effects of infection. Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin are the two most common types. There are more than 70 different types of lymphoma. A majority of these are caused by specific factors, such as exposures to certain substances, viruses, for example SV40 or radiation therapy. Mesothelioma is not included in the lymphoma classification. However, exposure to asbestos increases the chance of developing this type of cancer.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in building materials and manufacturing products. It is durable, fire-resistant and water-proof. There are some older homes that still have asbestos as insulation and floor tiles. Asbestos fibers can become airborne when disturbed, leading people to inhale them or inhale them. The fibers may get stuck in the thin layer that protects the internal organs of the body. The majority of the time mesothelioma is a problem with the linings of the lungs and abdomen. It can also affect the linings of the heart or testicles.
Certain people are able to develop mesothelioma without asbestos exposure. This isn't common, but it's possible. Even if asbestos is present in the air, or on clothing worn by someone who has been exposed to asbestos, it could cause mesothelioma. People who live with those who work with asbestos can also be exposed to it. Secondhand exposure is the term used to describe it and in some instances has been linked to Mesothelioma.
Researchers are investigating several theories to explain why certain people might develop mesothelioma, even if they don't have any asbestos exposure from their workplace or in their environment. This includes genetics, the SV40 virus, a form of radiation treatment referred to as erionite and other environmental factors like the use of Talcum powder. It is much easier to treat mesothelioma if detected early. Therefore, it's essential that doctors know the various causes. This can help them spot more cases and prevent people from being misdiagnosed.
3. Hereditary Conditions
Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that affects the tissues surrounding internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the most frequent reason, however other factors can contribute. The disease is also inherited. Certain people are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma because of their family history.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, is resistant to heat and strong. It is utilized in a variety of industries. It was used for insulation as well as brakes and shingles as well as other building materials. However, it is very dangerous. When disturbed, it releases tiny fibers into air. Inhaled, these fibers can harm DNA and penetrate the lungs. This can cause tumors form in the lungs or other organs of the human body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually are not evident for several decades after asbestos exposure. However, the disease can appear earlier than you would expect for a number of reasons. Asbestos particles can clog the lungs, leading to inflammation. The inflammation can cause cell mutations. Tumors can develop, leading to malignant mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma, which is the most commonly encountered mesothelioma form is the most prevalent. It occurs when asbestos-related tumors form in the lining of the chest cavity and lung (pleura). Another type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, occurs when asbestos-related tumors develop in the peritoneum, which is the protective layer that surrounds the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma that occurs around the heart, is not as common.
Some patients develop mesothelioma, but without an asbestos-related history. It can be due to a hereditary condition called Lynch syndrome that is linked to the tumor-suppressing gene BAP1. The mutations in this gene may increase a patient's likelihood of developing mesothelioma, however it doesn't necessarily lead to the disease.
There are other possible causes of mesothelioma that are not listed, such as certain environmental factors and radiation therapy. It is important to consult your doctor if you exhibit any symptoms or signs of mesothelioma. This is especially true if you were exposed to asbestos. Workers in the construction industry and other industries that use asbestos are at a higher risk. Even non-workers could be at greater risk for the disease if they work or live near an asbestos-related site.
4. Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure occurs when a person breathes in or swallows harmful substances. It can also occur when the skin of a person is exposed to contaminants. Exposure can lead to various diseases that include mesothelioma.
Inhaling chemical and other pollutants could be harmful as they can irritate the linings of the lungs as well as the stomach which causes cells to undergo a mutation. These mutations can cause the growth of cancerous tumours. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos but also other chemical exposures.
Asbestos is a mineral that is used in many products due to its strength and resistance to fire. When asbestos is disturbed it releases tiny fibres into air. These fibres are easily inhaled, swallowed or ingested. People who are exposed large amount to asbestos are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma.
The extent of mesothelioma depends on how long a person has been exposed to asbestos and how frequently. Asbestos sufferers usually develop mesothelioma during their 50s, 60s, or 70s, when they're nearing retirement age. It can take up to 60 years for mesothelioma-related symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos for the first time.
People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who were not. Those who were exposed to asbestos on Navy ships are at greater chance of developing mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos being widely used on naval ships.
Mesothelioma risk is elevated if a person has an extended family history or has received radiation therapy in the chest. You can also get mesothelioma even if you've never exposed to asbestos.
A small portion of mesothelioma cases is not connected to asbestos. These mesotheliomas are typically located in the pleural or peritoneal region and are more prevalent in women than men. Most of these cases involve people who have a hereditary mesothelioma gene however, a small percentage of them have an inherited gene that's been mutated by the SV40 virus. The virus can stifle your immune system and cause mesothelioma a greater risk.