Mesothelioma Causes - What Causes Mesothelioma Besides Asbestos?The majority of cases of mesothelioma are linked to asbestos exposure. This is true whether the exposure occurred in the workplace or at home.Asbestos fibers that are inhaled can adhere to the lung's lining and chest wall (pleura) and cause malignant pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers may also become stuck in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), causing mesothelioma peritoneal.SmokingMesothelioma is a rare cancer with few known causes. Researchers have identified risk factors that could increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma. These include exposure to asbestos and an ancestor's history of the disease. Mesothelioma can start in the tissue layer that covers the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) or in the chest cavity's lining (peritoneal mesothelioma). Most cases of mesothelioma can be traced back to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a natural mineral, is utilized in industrial applications because of its strength and resistance to heat. Asbestos-containing materials were used in shipbuilding, construction manufacturing, and other jobs before manufacturers knew asbestos could cause cancer. Asbestos was also used for insulation as well as in heating systems and pipes. It is estimated that millions of people were exposed to asbestos without even knowing it. Many asbestos-exposed workers were employed in industries such as shipyards, mining, construction and power plants. Some of these workers brought asbestos fibres home on their clothes hair, skin, and even their hair. This was called secondary exposure. Families of asbestos-exposed workers frequently consumed the fibers that their loved ones had brought home on clothing, tools, or hair. People who worked in special areas, like plumbers and painters were more likely to bring home asbestos on their bodies and equipment.Mesothelioma can develop 20 to 60 years after asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a fibrous minerals and when it's disturbed, it releases tiny, hair-like fibers that may irritate the lung's lining, or the stomach. These irritations can trigger gene mutations which can cause cancer. mesothelioma other causes can affect the lungs and is the most common mesothelioma form. Peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen and is less common than mesothelioma of the pleural region.Although smoking does not cause mesothelioma, it could make a patient's symptoms more severe and lower their quality of life. A doctor can help patients quit smoking and determine the best treatment for their symptoms.Exposure to ErioniteMesothelioma refers to cancer of the tissue that lines the lungs stomach heart, lungs, and other organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral used in many industries. Some people have developed mesothelioma after exposure to other minerals. Erionite is a type zeolite. It is found in mineable deposits in the west of the United States. Erionite has been consumed and inhaled by workers.Researchers have investigated the connection between erionite exposure and mesothelioma. In one study, authors studied a group comprised of 21 rats exposed to erionite and the control group. The erionite-exposed group was exposed by inhalation, intrapleural injection and the placebo. The erionite group had mesothelioma rates that were higher as compared to the group that received a placebo. The erionite-exposure group also had higher rates of interstitial fibrosis which can lead to lung function issues and a decrease in patient survival.This finding indicates that exposure to erionite can increase the risk of mesothelioma, as well as interstitial fibrosis and other pleural pathology. It is important that workers are aware of these risks in order to take precautions.It can be difficult to recognize mesothelioma as the symptoms aren't always apparent. They typically begin slowly, but they can get worse as time goes by. Many people have a combination of symptoms, such as shortness of breath (dyspnea) and abdominal pain, and fluid in the lung (pleural effusion).A chest X-ray will reveal mesothelioma. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors will take a sample of affected tissue to be examined. Usually, the mesothelioma will be classified as biphasic which means that it contains both sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells. Epithelioid mesothelioma is the most common and responds well to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis.Mesothelioma cannot be treated but treatment can prolong life and improve the quality of life of patients. There are many treatments available, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. If you or someone you know has mesothelioma, talk to your doctor as soon as possible.Radiation TherapyMesothelioma is a kind of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Exposure to asbestos is the most common cause. Exposure can occur at work or in houses. The most common cause of mesothelioma caused by asbestos is occupational exposure, however it can also be caused by environmental or secondhand exposure.Asbestos is a class of fibrous minerals, which are typically used in building materials as well as insulation. It is extremely harmful and can lead to a range of serious health problems, including mesothelioma. The chance of developing this illness increases depending on how long and how frequently the person is exposed to asbestos.The exposure to asbestos is typically associated with jobs in mining, construction or shipbuilding. People who are exposed to asbestos-containing materials in the workplace may inhale or swallow the asbestos fibers. These fibers can then stick to the lining of the organs in the body. They could cause irritation and eventually, cancer.Scientists believe that asbestos causes mesothelioma because it irritates healthy mesothelium cells. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to develop 15 to 50 years after exposure. Asbestos can also cause genetic mutations that could lead to an increased chance of developing mesothelioma.The majority of patients with mesothelioma are known to have been exposed to asbestos. Around 80% of cases are attributed to occupational asbestos exposure, while a smaller number of cases involve environmental or secondary contact. Secondary exposure occurs when workers bring asbestos into their homes on their clothes or equipment. Women diagnosed with mesothelioma had second-hand exposure to their husbands' occupational asbestos exposure.If you've been exposed to asbestos, it is important to describe your exposure to a doctor. This will help you receive the right treatment and avoid a false diagnosis. Mesothelioma specialists may perform imaging scans as well as blood tests and other tests to test whether there is mesothelioma. They may also refer you to other doctors to conduct further tests when they suspect the presence of this rare cancer. It is essential to get the right diagnosis, as it can improve your prognosis, and increase the chances of an effective treatment.GeneticsWhen cancer cells form in the organ's linings, it is called mesothelioma. These cells can spread to other parts of the body and cause tumors. There are several risk factors that increase the chances of developing mesothelioma including asbestos exposure and smoking. A person's mesothelioma-related family history could also increase the likelihood of developing this condition.Asbestos is a class of minerals that are made up of tiny microscopic fibers. These fibers are invulnerable to fire and heat which makes them valuable in numerous industries. In the United States, asbestos is mined and used for insulation, brakes, shingles, floor tiles and other products. Typically, people develop mesothelioma after working with asbestos-contaminated materials or breathing in the particles that get released into the air. Exposure to asbestos from the outside is also a risk. Those who live with or work with asbestos-exposed workers may be exposed to asbestos dust on their clothing and put their families at risk of developing mesothelioma too.The symptoms of mesothelioma differ depending on the affected body part. People with mesothelioma pleural may suffer from coughing and breathing difficulties, chest pain and an enlarged lung. Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause abdominal pain, swelling and weight loss. Mesothelioma that is caused by the ingestion of asbestos fibers is usually diagnosed by X-rays, CT scans or MRI. This kind of mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed since the symptoms are similar to those of other diseases.It can take up to 60 years after exposure to cause mesothelioma to develop. This is why it's important to talk to a doctor about any previous asbestos exposure. The doctor will then recommend monitoring for mesothelioma.Research continues to determine what causes mesothelioma, in addition to asbestos. More information will make it easier for doctors diagnose mesothelioma, and then treat the condition. This will improve the outcomes of patients as early treatment can lead to a longer lifespan. Other risk factors include a genetic predisposition to the disease, as well as exposure to radiation. Identifying these risk factors can aid doctors in identifying mesothelioma earlier, and prevent it from spreading or becoming fatal.