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 develop in the linings around the heart or testes pericardium Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma However, some people diagnosed with mesothelioma don't have a history of asbestos exposure Exposure to Asbestos Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used in industrial and construction products all over the world The workers in asbestos-related industries were exposed to asbestos each day Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs, which can lead to progressive lung disease This is known as asbestosis Over time the fibers that are trapped can cause mesothelioma as well Asbestos is also inhaled or eaten and the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses increases with the length and quantity of exposure The majority of mesothelioma cases stem from occupational exposure Asbestos was used in various trades, including construction insulation, electrical work, automobile maintenance and pipefitting Since these occupations are predominantly male-dominated, 75-80 percent of mesothelioma patients are men However, the phasing out of asbestos in the United States and other first-world countries has decreased on-the-job exposure This has led to a shift of cases, with asbestos exposure in non-occupational settings becoming more common Non-occupational mesothelioma may occur when asbestos is released from a work environment or in the home or school environment It can also be caused by secondhand exposure, such as when a family member wears the work clothes of an asbestos-working worker This type of exposure can cause symptoms like chest pain or a shortness of breath that are often mistaken for heart problems or lung conditions Some studies have found that non-occupational exposure is linked to mesothelioma However, the results are inconsistent Many of these studies were conducted on a small sample size, and between-study the degree of heterogeneity is high It is necessary to conduct additional studies to confirm the connection between asbestos exposure in non-occupational settings and mesothelioma People who have experienced non-occupational asbestos exposure should speak with their doctor regarding their asbestos history They should seek mesothelioma tests when they are concerned, and ask for the referral to an expert https//vimeocom/704888395 in mesothelioma will provide the best treatment and care to improve a patient's chances of survival They will analyze medical records and conduct imaging tests to identify the disease They will also provide guidance on how to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund Secondhand Exposure While asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only reason to develop this disease In fact, there's some evidence that suggests that people may develop mesothelioma even though they never directly handled asbestos or worked in an industry with asbestos-related activities This is called secondary or non-occupational exposure to asbestos Asbestos fibres are very small and are able to stick to hair, clothing, and skin Workers may carry dangerous fibers in their work clothes home and transmit them to family members The asbestos fibers that are scattered around can be swallowed or inhaled which can lead to mesothelioma This type of mesothelioma is more common in women, and typically occurs in the lung It can also affect the chest wall or abdomen A shortness of breath is the most common indication It may be caused by a variety of other symptoms, including fluid in the lungs and swelling in the scrotum Pleural mesothelioma is the name given to mesothelioma which is found in the lungs Mesothelioma that affects the stomach or chest wall is referred to as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region This type of mesothelioma can cause a number of symptoms including abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation Several studies have reported that even those who have no prior previous history of exposure to asbestos can still get mesothelioma because of secondhand exposure to the harmful fibers They usually lived with someone who was exposed to asbestos They might have been in contact with the clothing of the asbestos worker or had other contact with the asbestos worker Veterans are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos that was extensively used in military bases vessels, vehicles and bases The Navy is at a greater risk due to asbestos being used in the hulls and gun turrets of ships to guard them from fire Asbestos was also often brought home by sailors from their work on ships that were infected with asbestos Environmental Exposure A variety of materials have been associated with mesothelioma The disease is still most often linked to asbestos exposure Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for a variety of years in the manufacture of The mineral is heat-resistant and tough which makes it suitable for insulation, brakes and shingles, flooring, and other products Asbestos breaks down into dust that can be inhaled and swallowed These fibers can stay in the lungs and stomach for many years, triggering symptoms of mesothelioma The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing Asbestos exposure can cause these symptoms to persist for up to 60 years Symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to see an expert if you experience these symptoms Informing your doctor about asbestos exposure is important This will help avoid the wrong diagnosis and ensure you receive the right treatment Mesothelioma resulting from exposure to asbestos is more frequent in those who have worked directly with the material, but it can also affect the loved relatives of those who have been exposed This is called secondary exposure Family members could inhale or ingest asbestos fibers from the work shoes, clothing or other tools They may also be exposed to the particles on their clothing or hair This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must be sure to wash their clothing properly after working around asbestos There is a large amount of research that suggests an association between exposure to nonasbestos and mesothelioma, but there is no conclusive evidence yet about the role of other agents For example, there is some evidence that the zeolites erionite and chlorosotile can cause mesothelioma Erionite is present in the soil and rocks of certain parts in Turkey where the risk of mesothelioma in the pleural cavity is high The study of the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma is ongoing Funnel plots show the possibility of bias in publications and there is a significant level of heterogeneity between studies It is evident that asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma Genetics Mesothelioma is a rare disease caused by malignant mesothelial cells that grow out of control and invade surrounding tissues It can also spread throughout the body via the blood or lymphatic system, affecting other organs Asbestos is the main cause, but it is not the only factor Other genetic and environmental factors can trigger the condition In some instances mesothelioma is seen in people who had no direct exposure to asbestos These are referred to as mesothelioma victims who are not employed They are typically exposed indirectly through the handling harmful household items or clothing by someone who was exposed to asbestos in their home It is possible to be diagnosed with mesothelioma following inhaling asbestos fibers from the clothing of a family member Studies have shown that these kinds of mesothelioma cases tend to have longer periods of latency 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 revealed that mutations in a gene called BAP1 could increase the risk of mesothelioma in those who have been exposed to asbestos This is significant because it could lead improved screening procedures for people who are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma Researchers have identified a number of genes that are related to mesothelioma These genes are usually mutated in mesothelioma, and they suppress the growth of tumors These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 LATS2, and NF2 People with mesothelioma in their family are at an increased risk for the disease This is due to the fact that certain genes, like the BAP1 gene, can be passed down from the parents Veterans have the highest mesothelioma rate in comparison to other occupational groups because asbestos was heavily used in the military People who were in the Navy and on ships were particularly at the highest risk because of the extensive exposure to asbestos in insulation, fireproofing materials, and shipbuilding