Causes of Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos
While asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause however, it has been linked to other causes like erionite, SV40 and radiation. Knowing the causes of these other conditions can help doctors identify and treat the disease earlier.
Inhaling asbestos fibers, the small particles can become lodged in the lining of their chest cavity. The needle-like fibres can damage DNA in mesothelial cell and can cause mesothelioma cancers.
1. Silica
Asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. Exposure to other mineral fibers or chemicals, such as asbestos in the peritoneal area, can cause mesothelioma. Silica is a natural element that is found in sand and crystals. People who work with silica in construction, mining or hydraulic fracturing can be exposed to particles in the air that belong to this chemical. These particles can be inhaled deeply into the lungs, where they can cause irritation to the lung tissue. The irritation could alter the DNA of surrounding cells, causing cancer.
Silica and asbestos exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma. But asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma and it isn't as common for people to develop peritoneal mesothelioma because of exposure to silica.
The majority of people with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos while on the job. Asbestos fibres were introduced into the workplace through the asbestos used in a variety of industries, such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and construction. Workers in these industries inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers from equipment and clothing when they were released into the air. Workers carried the fibers home on their clothes and exposed their family members as well, creating secondary exposure.
When the asbestos fibers were deposited in the body, they were trapped in the mesothelium lining of the lung and other organs. The needle-like particles caused irritation to tissues for years, until the DNA of nearby cells changed and cancer was diagnosed. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until 30 to 60 years after the initial exposure.
The best way to avoid mesothelioma is to stay clear of asbestos exposure. Be aware of asbestos-related hazards and adhere to workplace safety rules. Don't take home any work or clothing gear that could contain asbestos. Make sure to hire a qualified asbestos abatement professional to check your home for hazardous materials. Avoid purchasing antiques or items that might have been manufactured using asbestos. Instead, purchase cosmetics and personal-care products without talc. Anyone with an asbestos-related history should speak to their doctor about mesothelioma testing.
2. Erionite
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral is used for many industrial applications before it was banned. The use of asbestos was halted after the scientific and medical evidence linking asbestos and mesothelioma were discovered. However, the connection was not fully understood until much later. Many of those who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos.
While asbestos is still a major cause of mesothelioma, other materials have also been linked to cancer. Erionite is a zeolite that is fibrous and mined in the United States. Numerous studies have proven that erionite exposure can cause mesothelioma. Researchers have found that erionite can alter the balance between cell proliferative (and abnormal DNA repair) and apoptosis, which is a normal mechanism of eliminating transformed or proliferating cells.
It could take a long time for a person to develop mesothelioma after first exposure to the mineral. In this period it can be difficult to determine if the condition was caused by asbestos or a non-asbestos cause of exposure. Mesothelioma can also form in lungs which have already been damaged by other lung diseases, like asbestos.
Due to these limitations, it's important to carefully examine a patient's history to determine if they were exposed to erionite or asbestos. This can be done by the examination of chest radiographs and CT scanners, as well as by analyzing biomarkers for mesothelioma like pleural nodules and plaques in the pleural cavity.
The most commonly encountered type of mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pleura, which affects the lining in the lung. Other types may develop in the linings of the stomach and testicles (peritoneal testicular, pericardial and asbestos lung mesothelioma peritoneal mesothelioma) and the heart (pericardial).
Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos while at work, usually because they worked in industries which used the hazardous material. It is also possible to contract the disease through secondhand exposure. Workers can expose their families to asbestos fibers by bringing them home on their clothes and equipment. This form of mesothelioma is thought to be less severe than the asbestos-related form of the disease.
3. Other Minerals
Asbestos, one of world's most dangerous substances isn't the sole cause of Mesothelioma. Other minerals such as silica or Erionite are also associated with the cancer. However, asbestos is the most frequent cancer-causing agent.
Asbestos can cause irritation to the tissues that are found in the chest cavity stomach, abdomen, heart and testes, leading to mesothelioma-related tumors. Asbestos is the most frequently encountered when working with it, particularly during building renovations and mining. Even exposure from secondhand sources can trigger the disease. The mesothelioma can also develop from the use of asbestos-containing products like brake pads.
The process of mesothelioma causes is complicated and involves a number of steps. First, asbestos fibers must be dislodged from their original place. This usually occurs during mining, building construction and vessel or vehicle maintenance. The fibers are then inhaled or consumed by workers, and they stick to the lung linings and other organs. Mesothelioma may then develop when the cells within these linings begin to transform and grow into malignant tumors.
The majority of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma are those who have an exposure history to asbestos. 70 to 80 percent of cases are the result of past exposure. This is because it takes about 20 years for symptoms to develop after exposure to asbestos. Other factors, such as gender, sex, age and sex, can increase a person's risk of developing mesothelioma.
A family history of the disease can make it more likely that you will contract it. This is due to the fact that families may inherit genetic mutations that make them more vulnerable to certain illnesses, such as mesothelioma.
Although researchers have investigated a number of potential mesothelioma causes and causes, asbestos is the most common. However, some studies suggest that a small percentage of mesotheliomas are not caused by asbestos, and other sources. This may be due to different study designs, divergent views of what occupations entail significant exposure to asbestos, and the variations in the use of asbestos from amphibole to chrysotile among countries. In addition, mesotheliomas that occur spontaneously make up a smaller percentage of all mesothelioma cases than is currently reported.
4. Other Chemicals
Many asbestos-related diseases develop as a result of exposure to a variety of chemicals. Examples include silica, erionite. Although these chemicals don't cause mesothelioma directly but they can irritate the mesothelium and increase risk of developing cancer. This is especially relevant when mesothelioma cancer cells mutate. The symptoms of mesothelioma include abdominal or chest pain and shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.
Mesothelioma can be triggered by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of microscopic, strong fibers that are very durable. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the 1930s and into the 1980s in a variety of products due to its resistance against fire, heat and sound. The manufacturers were aware of the dangers, but didn't tell the public.
Asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma in a variety of forms. The most frequent type is called pleural mesothelioma that develops around the lungs. It can also form in the linings of the chest (pericardium) or abdomen (peritoneum). Testicular mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma that occurs when asbestos fibers enter the lining of your testes.
Mesothelioma is the most frequent cancer among people exposed to asbestos by occupational or environmental exposure. But mesothelioma can be found in people who were exposed to asbestos secondhand through the handling of someone else's work clothing or materials at home. Some patients develop mesothelioma following radiation treatment to treat a different cancer.
Most often, mesothelioma symptoms manifest slowly and aren't apparent until it's in advanced stages. This is why it is crucial for patients to remain attentive and consult their doctor if they have any unusual or persistent symptoms. A mesothelioma expert can help patients recognize the signs and determine a proper diagnosis. Patients should ask their general oncologist for an appointment with mesothelioma specialists in order to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure they receive the best treatment.