Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
The majority of mesothelioma cases occur on the lung linings as well as the abdomen. This rare cancer can also develop in the linings of the heart or testes (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Some patients with mesothelioma have no previous history of asbestos law exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos, a rock that is of natural origin, was previously used for industrial and construction products throughout the globe. Workers in asbestos industries were exposed to asbestos on a daily basis. Asbestos fibres can lodge in the lungs and cause progressive lung disease. This is referred to as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos fibers that have been trapped in the lungs may cause mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in, ingested or even absorbed through the skin. The risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases increases when exposed.
Most cases of mesothelioma stem from occupational exposure. Asbestos is a common ingredient in jobs, including electrical work and automobile maintenance. As these trades are mostly dominated by males 75-80% of mesothelioma patients are men. The phase-out of Asbestos legal in the United States, and other first-world countries has reduced the risk of contamination. This has resulted in an increase in cases, with non-occupational asbestos exposure increasing in frequency.
Non-occupational Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos is released at the workplace or found at home or in schools. It can also be caused by exposure to secondhand asbestos for example, when a family member is exposed to the clothing of an asbestos settlement worker who has been exposed. Those who experience this type of exposure may have symptoms like breathing problems or chest pain that is commonly mistaken for heart or lung conditions.
Certain studies have linked mesothelioma to non-occupational exposure, but the results differ. A majority of these studies were conducted on a small sample size, and between-study the degree of heterogeneity is high. Further research is required to confirm the links between mesothelioma and exposure to non-occupational substances.
Anyone who has experienced non-occupational asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about their asbestos history. They should have mesothelioma screening when they are concerned, and ask for a referral to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists can provide patients with the best treatment and care options to improve their prognosis. They will review medical records and perform imaging tests to determine if mesothelioma is present. They will also provide advice on how to file mesothelioma suits to claim compensation from asbestos trust funds.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma. But, it's not the only one. There is some evidence that people who have never been exposed to asbestos or worked in industries with asbestos-related activities can still develop mesothelioma. This is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure, or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can adhere to clothing, hair and skin. As a result, workers can bring the dangerous fibers home with them on their work clothes, and then transfer them to family members. These asbestos fibers could be swallowed or inhaled, which can cause mesothelioma.
This type of mesothelioma occurs more frequently in women and usually in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen or chest wall. A shortness of breath is the most frequent indication. It can be caused by a variety of other symptoms, like fluid in the lungs and swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma that occurs in the lungs is referred to as mesothelioma of the pleural region. Peritoneal mesothelioma refers to the name for mesothelioma, which affects the stomach wall or chest wall. This type of mesothelioma can cause a number of symptoms, including abdominal pain, difficulty in breathing, and constipation.
A number of studies have shown that individuals with no history of occupational exposure to asbestos may develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos through secondhand fibers. Typically, these individuals have been living with someone who was exposed to the dangerous material. They could have been in contact with the clothing of the asbestos worker or had other contact.
Veterans are at high risk of developing mesothelioma due to the extensive asbestos use in military bases, ships and other vehicles. The Navy is at a greater risk, as asbestos was used in the hull and gun turrets of ships to guard them from fire. In addition, sailors often brought asbestos back from their work on ships that were contaminated with the substance.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma has been linked with a variety of materials. The disease is often associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is used in the manufacture of products for a number of years. The mineral is resistant to heat and strong, which makes it ideal for insulation, brakes, flooring, shingles and other items. Asbestos is broken down into dust which can be breathed in and swallowed. These fibers can stay in the stomach and lungs for a long time, triggering symptoms of mesothelioma.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and chest pain. asbestos compensation patients may suffer from these symptoms for 20 to 60 years or more after their initial exposure. It is essential to consult a doctor when you experience these symptoms. It is also critical to inform your doctor about your past history of asbestos. This will prevent the wrong diagnosis and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
The most commonly affected victims of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are those who been directly exposed to asbestos but it is possible for loved family members to be affected. This is called secondary exposure. Family members can take in asbestos fibers from a worker's footwear, clothing or even tools. They could be sprayed on the to home by someone who is wearing or having hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must ensure that they clean their clothes properly after working with asbestos.
There is a substantial amount of research that suggests a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However, there is no conclusive evidence yet regarding the role played by other agents. There is some evidence to suggest that zeolites, erionite and chlorosotile, can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in soil and in the rocks of certain regions of Turkey in which pleural mesothelioma rates are high.
Research on the relationship between mesothelioma and exposure to nonasbestos continues. Funnel plots show the possibility of publication bias and there is a high level of heterogeneity between studies. It is clear that asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma.
Genetics
The rare disease mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells in the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It is also able to spread throughout the body via the lymphatic or blood system, and affect other organs. Asbestos is the primary cause, but it is not the only cause. Other environmental and genetic factors can cause the disease.
In a few cases mesothelioma is seen in people who had no direct exposure to asbestos. These people are called mesothelioma victims who are not employed. They are typically exposed indirectly through the handling harmful household items or clothing by anyone who was exposed to asbestos 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 have shown that these kinds of mesothelioma patients tend to have longer latency periods and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives than in husbands.
Scientists are examining the possibility that genetic predispositions to mesothelioma may play a role in its development. Recent studies have revealed that the mutation in the gene BAP1 increases the risk of mesothelioma developing among asbestos-exposed people. This is a significant finding, as it could be the basis for improved screening procedures for those who are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have discovered that a variety of genes are associated with mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in suppressing the growth of tumors and are frequently altered or mutated in mesothelioma patients. These genes include the massive homolog of tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and the NF2.
A family history of the disease increases the risk. This is due to certain genes, including BAP1 BAP1 one, can be inherited from an individual parent. Veterans have the highest rates of mesothelioma in comparison to other occupational groups because asbestos was extensively used in the military. Those who served on ships and in the Navy were at the highest risk of developing asbestos-related cancer due to exposure in shipbuilding, insulation, and fireproofing materials.