Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
The majority of mesothelioma cases occur on the lung linings and abdomen. The rare cancer can also form in the tissue lining the heart (pericardium) or testes.
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some patients diagnosed with mesothelioma don't have a history of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to asbestos attorney
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was previously employed in industrial and construction products all over the world. Workers in asbestos industries handled the mineral every day and were at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, which can lead to progressive lung diseases. This is known as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos fibers trapped in the lungs can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos is also inhaled or eaten, and the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases rises with the length and quantity of exposure.
Most cases of mesothelioma result from occupational exposure. Asbestos was used in a variety of trades, such as construction, insulation, electrical work, automobile maintenance and pipefitting. These trades are typically dominated by men and as a consequence mesothelioma cases involving males make up 75-80% of all reported cases. However, the gradual elimination of asbestos in the United States and other first-world countries has reduced exposure to asbestos on the job. This has resulted in a shift of cases, with non-occupational asbestos exposure becoming more common.
Non-occupational mesothelioma may occur when asbestos is released from the work environment or is found in the school or home environment. It can also be caused by exposure to secondhand asbestos like when a family member is exposed to the clothes of an exposed asbestos worker. Those who experience this type of exposure may experience symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain, which is often mistaken for lung or heart problems.
Certain studies have linked mesothelioma to non-occupational exposure, but the results are different. The studies were conducted with a small number of participants, and the heterogeneity between studies was substantial. It is imperative to conduct further studies to confirm the connection between non-occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
People who have been exposed to non-occupational asbestos should discuss their asbestos (try what she says) history with their physician. If they are concerned, they should ask for a mesothelioma test and a referral to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists can provide patients with the best treatment and care options to improve their chances of survival. They will look over medical records, and perform imaging tests to diagnose the disease. They will also give advice on how to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to get compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
While asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma not the only factor that can cause you to get this cancer. In fact, there's only a tiny amount of evidence that suggests that people may develop mesothelioma, even if they have never directly handled asbestos or worked in an industry that involved asbestos-related activities. This is referred to as secondary or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are extremely small, and they can stick to clothing, hair or skin as well as other surfaces. Workers can carry harmful fibers in their work clothing at home and then pass them on to family members. These stray asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, leading to mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma type is more prevalent in women, and usually occurs in the lungs. It can also affect the chest wall or abdomen. The most frequent symptoms is breathlessness (dyspnea), and it may be associated with other symptoms such as fluid in the lungs or a swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma which occurs in the lungs is called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma that affects the chest wall or stomach is called mesothelioma peritoneal. A person with this type of mesothelioma may be afflicted by a variety such as abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and constipation.
Several studies have reported that people with no previous history of exposure to asbestos may develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos through secondhand fibers. These individuals usually lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos. They could have handled the worker's clothing or had other contact with asbestos.
Veterans are at a greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used in military bases, vehicles and ships. The Navy is especially at risk because asbestos was used to insulate the hull the ship, as well as to fireproof gun turrets. Additionally, sailors often brought home asbestos from their jobs on vessels that were contaminated with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
A variety of materials have been linked to mesothelioma. However, the disease is usually linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized for a number of years in manufacturing. It is resistant to heat and durable, making it ideal for insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and other products. When asbestos is broken it produces dust that can be breathed in or swallowed. The asbestos fibers can stay in the lungs or stomach for years, and trigger mesothelioma-related symptoms.
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Asbestos sufferers might suffer from these symptoms for 20 to 60 years or longer after their first exposure. It is important to consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms. It is also critical to inform your doctor of your previous history of asbestos. This will prevent a faulty diagnosis and ensure that you receive the right treatment.
Mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos is the most common in people who worked directly with asbestos, but it can also be a problem for loved relatives of those who have been exposed. This is known as secondary exposure. Family members may inhale or swallow asbestos fibers on the clothing of a worker, shoes, or other tools. They may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos by someone who brings home these particles on their clothing or hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must take care to clean their clothing after working around asbestos.
There is a significant body of literature that shows a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However there are no definitive conclusions yet regarding the role played by other agents. For example, there is some evidence that the zeolites erionite and chrysotile may cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in soil and rocks in some regions of Turkey, where mesothelioma occurrence rates are high.
Research into the relationship between mesothelioma and nonasbestos exposure is continuing. Funnel plots have shown the possibility of publication bias, and there is a high degree of heterogeneity between studies. However, it is still evident that occupational exposure to asbestos is the most important risk factor for mesothelioma.
Genetics
Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease caused by malignant mesothelial cell that expand beyond control and invade surrounding tissues. It is also able to spread throughout the body via the blood or lymphatic system, and affect other organs. Although asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma isn't the only risk factor. Other environmental and genetic factors can cause the condition.
In a few cases mesothelioma is seen in people who were not exposed to asbestos. These are referred to as non-occupational victims of mesothelioma. These individuals typically had indirect exposure from the handling of contaminated clothes or home items by an asbestos-exposed person in their home. For example, it is possible for one to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma based on the inhalation of asbestos fibers from clothing belonging to a loved ones. Studies show that these types of mesothelioma cases tend to have longer latency times and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives than in husbands.
Scientists are currently studying the possibility that mesothelioma's genetic predisposition might play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that the mutation of a gene called BAP1 increases the risk of mesothelioma in people who are exposed to asbestos. This is particularly important because it could be the basis for improved screening procedures for those at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a variety of genes that are linked to mesothelioma. Certain of these genes are involved in limiting the growth of tumors, and are often mutated or altered in mesothelioma patients. These genes include the major homolog 2 of tumor suppressor (LATS2) and the NF2.
People with mesothelioma-related family history are at an increased risk of developing the cancer. Certain genes, like the BAP1 that are passed down from parents. Asbestos was extensively used in the military for many years and veterans have the highest mesothelioma rate compared to other occupational groups. Those who served in the Navy and on ships were particularly at risk the most because of the extensive exposure to asbestos legal in insulation, fireproofing materials and shipbuilding.