Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
The majority of the time, mesothelioma is found on the linings of the lungs and abdomen. The rare cancer may also form in the heart's lining (pericardium) or testes.
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some people diagnosed with mesothelioma may not have a history of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a mineral that is natural that was once employed in industrial and construction products all over the world. Workers in asbestos industries handled the substance on a regular basis which put them at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can get lodged in the lungs, which can cause lung diseases. This is known as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos fibers that are trapped in the lungs could cause mesothelioma. Asbestos can also be breathed in 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 stem from exposure to occupational toxins. Asbestos was utilized in a variety of trades, including construction, insulation and electrical work, as well as automobile maintenance and pipefitting. These trades are typically predominantly male-dominated, and as a result, male mesothelioma cases account for 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 an increase in cases, with non-occupational asbestos exposure becoming more frequent.
Non-occupational mesothelioma can occur when asbestos is released from the workplace environment or in the school or home surroundings. It can also be caused by exposure to secondhand asbestos like when a family member is exposed to the work clothes of an exposed asbestos worker. The people who suffer from this type of exposure may have symptoms like breathing problems or chest pain, which is often mistaken for heart or lung conditions.
Certain studies have linked mesothelioma with non-occupational exposure, however the results differ. The studies were conducted with a small number of participants, and the variability between studies was substantial. It is imperative to conduct further research in order to confirm the connection between non-occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
People who have been exposed to non-occupational asbestos should discuss their asbestos medical history with their physician. They should request mesothelioma testing in the event of concerns and request a referral to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists can provide patients with the best care and treatment options to improve their prognosis. They will analyze medical records and perform imaging tests to diagnose mesothelioma. They will also provide guidance on how to file a mesothelioma suit to get compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
While asbestos lawsuit exposure is the leading cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only factor that can cause you to develop this cancer. In fact, there's a small amount of evidence that people can get mesothelioma, even if they have never directly handled asbestos or employed in an industry that has asbestos-related activities. This is referred to as secondary or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are very small and can adhere to clothing, hair, skin and other surfaces. Workers could carry dangerous fibers in their work clothing at home and then pass them on to family members. These stray asbestos litigation fibers can be swallowed or inhaled which can lead to mesothelioma.
This form of mesothelioma is more prevalent in women, and usually occurs in the lung. However, it can also be found in the abdomen and the chest wall. The most frequent symptoms is breathlessness (dyspnea), and it is often coupled with other signs like fluid in the lungs, or a swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma that develops in the lungs is referred to as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the stomach or chest wall is referred to as mesothelioma peritoneal. A person with this type of mesothelioma might experience a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation.
Numerous studies have revealed that people with no background of occupational exposure to asbestos could develop mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos through secondhand fibers. These individuals typically resided with someone who had been exposed to asbestos. They could have handled the worker's clothing or had other contact with asbestos law.
Veterans are at a greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was widely used in military bases vessels, vehicles and bases. The Navy is especially at risk because asbestos was used to insulate the hull of the ship as well as to protect gun turrets. Additionally, sailors often brought home asbestos from their jobs on ships that were contaminated by asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma is linked to a variety of substances. However, the disease is most often associated with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used for a variety of years in the production of. It is a heat-resistant material and tough which makes it suitable for insulation, brakes and flooring, shingles, and many other products. When asbestos is broken it releases dust that can be breathed in or swallowed. The asbestos fibers can stay in the lungs or stomach for a long time, triggering mesothelioma symptoms.
The most frequently reported symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Asbestos patients may experience these symptoms for 20 to 60 years or longer after their initial exposure. These symptoms could be mistaken for other ailments, so it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit these symptoms. It is also important to inform your doctor about your history with asbestos. This can prevent a wrong diagnosis and ensure that you receive the right treatment.
Mesothelioma resulting from exposure to asbestos case is most common in people who worked directly with asbestos However, it is also able to be a problem for loved ones of those exposed. This is known as secondary exposure. Family members could 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 hair or clothing. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must ensure that they clean their clothing after working around asbestos.
There is a large amount of research that suggests a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma, but there are no definitive conclusions yet about the role of other agents. For instance, there is some evidence that the zeolites erionite as well as chrysotile can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in the soil and rocks from certain regions in Turkey where the risk of pleural mesothelioma is high.
Research on the relationship between mesothelioma and nonasbestos exposure is continuing. Funnel plots have revealed the potential for bias in publication, and between-study heterogeneity is very high. However, it is still evident that occupational exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma.
Genetics
Mesothelioma is an uncommon disease caused by malignant mesothelial cells which develop out of control and invade surrounding tissues. It can be spread throughout the body passing through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and affecting other organs. Although asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, it isn't the sole risk factor. The condition could be caused by other environmental and genetic factors.
In some cases mesothelioma has been found in people who were not exposed to asbestos. These are referred to as non-occupational mesothelioma patients. They typically experienced indirect exposure from the handling of contaminated clothing or household items by an asbestos-exposed person in their household. For instance, it is possible for someone to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers from a loved one's clothing. Studies show that this type of mesothelioma tends to have longer time to develop and is more likely to be affecting women than men.
Scientists are investigating the possibility that genetic predispositions to mesothelioma may play a role in its development. Recent studies have demonstrated that mutations in BAP1 gene could increase the risk of mesothelioma among those who have been exposed to asbestos. This is particularly important, as it could result in improved screening methods for those who are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a number of genes that are related to mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in limiting the growth of tumors, and are often mutated or altered in mesothelioma sufferers. These genes include the large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2) and the NF2.
People who have mesothelioma in their family are at greater chance of contracting the disease. This is due to certain genes, like BAP1 BAP1 one, can be inherited from a parent. Asbestos was used heavily in the military for many years and veterans suffer from the highest mesothelioma rate compared to other occupational groups. People who were in the Navy and on ships specifically were at risk the most due to extensive exposure to asbestos in insulation, fireproofing materials, and shipbuilding.