Mesothelioma Causes - Other Than Asbestos
Mesothelioma affects the thin layer of tissue lining various organs within the body. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos fibers when inhaled.
Asbestos was used in many industries due to its strength and fireproof. Workers were exposed to asbestos during construction, ship repair, and manufacturing of automobiles. Asbestos was also found on the hair and clothing of workers, and could be brought home by family members.
1. Viral Infections
Certain viruses can result in mesothelioma. These infections can affect the lungs and abdomen. The virus that causes the illness could be genetic. This means it is passed down from parents to children. The virus may also be triggered by exposure to environmental or occupational toxins. Researchers are still exploring other causes of mesothelioma besides asbestos.
Asbestos is composed of microscopic fibers that were used in construction but are now banned. Asbestos can be exposed when materials are damaged. This could be at work or at the home. The fibres can be airborne and then be inhaled or swallowed before getting trapped in the lung's lining stomach, intestines, heart, and testes. The fibres can cause irritation to the linings of the body which can result in tumor growth and cell mutations. Mesothelioma grows over time as the tumours continue to grow and expand.
The most frequent form of mesothelioma occurs in the lung. The second most common form of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdominal cavity. The pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart) and the membrane that covers the testes are also susceptible to mesothelioma. However these types are less prevalent.
Men are more at risk of mesothelioma than women and this is associated with heavy occupational asbestos exposure. Certain mesothelioma patients, including asbestos workers and family members, have no history asbestos exposure. Sometimes, this is due to secondhand exposure where asbestos fibres are ingested on clothing. The SV40 virus is a different cause of mesothelioma not caused by asbestos. SV40 is an infection that was included in the polio vaccine and it may increase the risk of mesothelioma.
Early treatment can help improve the outcomes of mesothelioma patients. Researchers will continue to find new ways to treat and prevent disease as they investigate it. The best way to protect yourself is to stay away from asbestos and other types of occupational and environmental exposure. See a doctor should you have any questions. They can help you determine whether your symptoms are linked to asbestosis or not.
2. Lymphoma
Lymphoma (lym-po-muh) is cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a system of organs and tissues which aids in the fight against the effects of infection. citrus heights asbestos attorneys and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are the two main kinds. There are more than 70 subtypes of lymphoma. A lot of these have specific causes, like exposure to certain substances or viruses like SV40 radiation therapy or the use of talcum powder which is often used by women more than men. Mesothelioma is not a type of lymphoma. However, exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once used to make products and building materials. It is tough, water-proof and fire-resistant. It is still used in some floor tiles and insulation in older homes. The vibration of asbestos can cause its fibers to become airborne, causing people to breathe in or consume them. The fibers may get stuck in the thin tissue layer that protects the internal organs of the body. The lung's lining (pleura) is most often affected by mesothelioma, but it can also be found in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma), the lining around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) or the testicles (tunica vaginalis mesothelioma).
Certain people develop mesothelioma despite no asbestos exposure. It is not common, but it is possible. Even if asbestos is only in the air or on clothing that is touched by someone exposed to asbestos, it can cause mesothelioma. People who live near people who work with asbestos could also be exposed. This is called secondhand exposure and has been linked to mesothelioma in certain instances.
Researchers are examining a variety of theories to understand why certain people might develop mesothelioma, even if they have not had any asbestos exposure in the workplace or from environmental sources. Genetics as well as the SV40 type of radiation treatment known as erionite and other environmental factors, such as the use of talcum powder are all possible causes. It is easier to treat mesothelioma when it's identified early. This is why it's important that doctors understand all possible causes. This can help them spot more cases and prevent people from being misdiagnosed.
3. Hereditary Conditions
Mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds organs within the body. Asbestos exposure is the most common cause, but there are other factors that could be contributing. The disease may be genetic and some people could have a higher risk for mesothelioma based on their family history.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is durable and resistant to heat, which makes it useful in various industries. It was once used in brakes, insulation and shingles as well as other construction materials. However, it is very dangerous. If it is disturbed it releases tiny fibers into air. When inhaled, they can penetrate the lungs and cause damage to DNA over time. This could lead to growth of tumors in lung and in other areas of the body.
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually don't manifest for several decades following asbestos exposure. However, the disease can appear earlier than you would expect due to a variety of causes. For example, asbestos particles can become stuck in the lung and cause inflammation. Inflammation can trigger cell mutations. This leads to the formation of tumors, which can cause mesothelioma malignant.
The most commonly encountered mesothelioma type is called pleural mesothelioma. This happens when asbestos-related tumors form in the lining of the chest cavity and the lungs (pleura). Another type of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, occurs when asbestos-related tumors form in the peritoneum. This is the protective layer that surrounds the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma, however, is less prevalent. It develops within the heart.
Certain patients develop mesothelioma despite not having an asbestos-related history. This can occur because of a hereditary condition called Lynch syndrome, which is linked to the tumor-suppressing gene BAP1. This gene mutation can increase the likelihood of mesothelioma occurring in patients, but is not always the cause.
There are other potential mesothelioma causes, such as certain environmental factors as well as radiation therapy. It is important to see an experienced physician about any potential mesothelioma symptoms and signs, especially if a person has been exposed to asbestos in the past. People who worked in the construction industry or other areas that have asbestos are at a higher risk than others. Even non-workers could be at risk when they live near asbestos-related sites or work in the vicinity.
4. Chemical Exposure
Chemical exposure is when a person inhales or swallows harmful substances. Chemical exposure can also happen when a person comes into contact with contaminated materials. Exposure can trigger various diseases that include mesothelioma.
Chemicals and pollutants can be harmful when breathed in because they can cause irritation to the lining of the stomach or lungs and cause cells to change. These changes can lead to the growth of cancerous tumours. Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos but also by other chemical exposures.
Asbestos is a mineral that is utilized in a variety of products because of its durability and resistance to fire. When asbestos is disturbed it releases tiny fibers into the atmosphere. They can be easily consumed, swallowed or inhaled. People who are exposed a large amount to asbestos are at a greater chance of developing mesothelioma.
The severity of mesothelioma varies on how long a person has been exposed to asbestos and how often. Asbestos victims typically develop mesothelioma within their 50s, 60s, or 70s, when they're nearing retirement age. This is due to the fact that it can take between 20 and 60 years for mesothelioma to grow after exposure to asbestos.
People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are more likely to develop mesothelioma than people who weren't. People who worked with asbestos in the military also face higher risk of developing mesothelioma especially those who served on Navy ships. This is because asbestos was frequently used on naval vessels.
Mesothelioma risk can be elevated if a person has an extended family history or has received radiation therapy in the 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 located in the pleural or peritoneal region and are more prevalent in women than in men. Most cases involve people with an mesothelioma-related gene that is hereditary however a tiny percentage of these patients have a gene that has been mutated by the SV40 virus. This virus can affect your immune system and make mesothelioma more likely.