Non Asbestos Causes of Mesothelioma Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin covering the abdomen or chest Asbestos exposure is the most prevalent mesothelioma-related cause, and the risk increases with the length and intensity of the asbestos exposure People diagnosed with mesothelioma may be wondering how they acquired it A mesothelioma lawyer can assist them identify potential asbestos exposure sources 1 Asbestos Exposure Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer affects the linings in the stomach or lungs peritoneum It is usually linked to asbestos exposure, and it can take between 20 and 40 years for it to develop It is not the same as lung cancer and is extremely uncommon, affecting only one out of 100,000 people in Australia each year Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally is composed of tough and microscopic fibers It was used to create hundreds of products for commercial, industrial and residential uses, including pipes, drywall, adhesives, tiles, and cement The kind of asbestos that is most commonly linked to mesothelioma is Chrysotile asbestos The highest risk is for those who work with asbestos every day, such as shipyard workers, construction employees, asbestos manufacturers, and those who handle, mix or remove asbestos Men are more likely than women to have been in jobs which exposed them to asbestos and this could be the reason more men are diagnosed with mesothelioma Your doctor will examine your medical history and employ several tools to diagnose mesothelioma These include a physical exam, chest x-rays and lung function tests They will also inquire about your job, culture and family history If https//vimeocom/704933399 suspect you have mesothelioma, they will refer you to an expert You'll have to be referred by your GP however, the procedure for referrals can differ depending on where you live It may take some time to find an expert and there are many variables that could impact your treatment options Early diagnosis can improve your chances of survival and you'll be able to receive the treatment you require If you notice any signs, speak to your GP They can refer you to an expert or the top mesothelioma hospitals They will run various tests to confirm your diagnosis and assist you in finding the best treatment for you 2 Viral Infections Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the linings of various organs It's typically found in the lungs pleural mesothelioma however it can also be found in the tummy's lining peritoneal mesothelioma or even in the membrane that surrounds the heart pericardial mesothelioma More than 2,700 patients are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year in the UK The cancer is not curable but treatment can control symptoms Exposure to asbestos is the single most important factor in mesothelioma The fire- and heat-resistant mineral was used in the production of various construction and building materials until it was banned in 1970 Workers who handle or remove these materials, including electricians, plumbers, and miners, as well as pipefitters, insulators, and remodelers of older homes are at risk Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by inhalation or swallowing tiny fibers of the substance These fibers can then pierce mesothelium, causing a tumor The majority of these tumors are malignant and can be spread to other parts of the body The signs of mesothelioma typically do not manifest until years after the exposure They may include shortness of breath and chest pain, as well as abdominal discomfort Anyone suffering from these symptoms should inform their doctor of their asbestos exposure history They should also ask to be referred to a mesothelioma expert to receive the proper diagnosis and treatment Researchers believe that genetics, along with chemical and environmental factors, are involved in mesothelioma Some of these factors may cause cocarcinogens These are chemicals which increase the cancer-causing power of other chemicals Studies have also shown that viruses, like the SV40 virus, could be associated with mesothelioma A few studies suggest that talcum, a substance more frequently used by women than men, may be a factor in mesothelioma More research is needed to understand the causes of mesothelioma As more information is discovered doctors will be able to provide better treatment to reduce the number of cases Although asbestos is the most frequent mesothelioma cause however, it is crucial to also recognize other risks This can help improve the outcomes of patients and can even stop mesothelioma from developing 3 Chemical Exposure Chemicals are part of our everyday lives and are used in the production in many industries Chemical use has increased due to industrial development and demand for both goods and services This has had a negative effect on the environment and workers' safety, especially for those who frequently work with chemicals There are a number of ways people can be exposed to chemicals such as ingestion, inhalation and contact with the skin Once a chemical has been absorbed into the bloodstream, it can be toxic or not depending on the liver's processing Carbon tetrachloride is an old solvent that could cause damage to the liver Once ingested, some chemicals are broken down by the body into safer substances This process is known as metabolism Exposure to chemicals can cause a variety of health issues including cancer Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the lining of organs and structures inside the body known as the mesothelium Mesothelioma is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma pleural, peritoneal mesot or a mixture of the two called biphasic mesothelioma The symptoms are usually found in the chest wall and lungs, however they can also be observed in the abdomen and heart The signs of mesothelioma are usually not show up for a period of 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos If symptoms do show up, it's important to seek a mesothelioma diagnose from a specialist instead of an oncologist Mesothelioma specialists are knowledgeable about the types of asbestos that can cause mesothelioma and can accurately diagnose the disease depending on the individual's history of exposure Some people who were exposed to asbestos do not think they are at risk of developing mesothelioma, or their physician does not believe mesothelioma is the right diagnosis due to their exposure background People who have a parent or a sibling with mesothelioma could also be at an increased risk of developing this type of cancer It is crucial to talk to a mesothelioma doctor about your asbestos exposure, and any health issues you might be experiencing 4 Genetics Certain genes have been found to increase the risk of developing mesothelioma People who have a genetic mutation may develop mesothelioma despite having only minimal exposure to asbestos Mesothelioma is a cancer of mesothelium, a tissue that covers most internal organs Asbestos fibers can pierce the thin layer of tissue, and with time the sharp edges disturb the balance of genetics within cells Cells that don't have the proper balance can duplicate themselves and out of control, forming groups of cells that are abnormal Over time, these clumps can become tumors that affect the surrounding organs and tissues Other causes of mesothelioma exist, including asbestos exposure For instance, some people have developed mesothelioma following exposure to other minerals like silica and Erionite Some have developed mesothelioma after contact with a paint additive called asbestos In the past, asbestos paint was used to protect pipes made of metal Other asbestos-based products include shingles as well as fireproof fabric A genetic defect on the chromosome 3 gene can cause mesothelioma The cause of this mutation is a mutation in the BAP1 gene The BAP1 gene regulates the channel which transports calcium within cells If this gene is altered, calcium levels drop and increase the risk of cancer in a person due to asbestos and other carcinogens Scientists have noticed mesothelioma clustering in certain families that do not have known exposure to asbestos in the workplace The affected family members are carriers of the BAP1 mutation which predisposes to mesothelioma In one family with a mesothelioma link, all affected members carried the same BAP1 mutation Researchers are working to understand what causes mesothelioma The more knowledge doctors have, the better equipped they are to detect and treat mesothelioma Identifying factors that increase the chance of mesothelioma developing in the patient can also assist with prevention Smoking and family history are just two of the many risk factors that can be altered However, some of the risk factors are indefinite Despite the fact asbestos exposure has decreased since its ban, mesothelioma is still growing in the number of cases around the world This is probably because genetic and environmental factors are responsible for the disease Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females This is likely due to the fact that men are more likely to work in jobs that require asbestos exposure This is also because wives of asbestos workers can be exposed to asbestos on the clothes of their husbands