Causes of MesotheliomaA large number of patients with mesothelioma get a diagnosis after experiencing symptoms such as breathlessness. These symptoms could be caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs.Asbestos is the most common risk factor for mesothelioma. Exposure to asbestos fibers over and over again caused them to cause irritation to the mesothelium and cause DNA damage. Mesothelioma symptoms vary based on the location where the cancer develops, including in the pleura, abdomen and around the heart.AsbestosAsbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that is made up of fibrous fibers. They are invulnerable to heat and durable making them ideal for a variety of industrial products. In the past asbestos was used for insulation and brakes, fireproof material, and shingles. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause cancer. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, which is a form of cancer that affects the organs and tissues.The rare and serious mesothelioma disease develops on the linings of organs such as the chest (pleural msothelioma), the abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma) or the heart (pericardial msothelioma). It causes tumors that slowly spread throughout the body.The cause of mesothelioma is not fully understood. However, the majority of cases are linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can be caused by occupational or environmental exposure. Exposure to asbestos in the workplace occurs when employees are exposed to asbestos-containing materials or raw asbestos in their work. This type of exposure is typical for workers like shipbuilders drywall installers, plumbers, electricians and other blue collar workers. Asbestos can also be exposed to the surrounding environment when it is disturbed at work or home. This can be as simple as removing asbestos insulation or asbestos that has been damaged, or cleaning up after a job that involved asbestos.Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma when it causes irritation in the lungs, heart or stomach. The inflammation from the irritation can cause scarring in the lungs and in other organs. In certain cases, the scarring can be so that it causes mesothelioma.A physical exam as well as blood tests and an X-ray or CT scan of the chest can be used to determine mesothelioma. The signs typically appear several decades after the initial asbestos exposure.Compensation is offered to patients suffering from mesothelioma who were exposed to asbestos by companies without their knowledge. Compensation can be used to pay medical expenses as well as other costs. A lawyer can assist with the determination of eligibility for compensation.SilicaSilica is an naturally occurring mineral. It has the chemical formula SiO2. It can be found in a variety of forms on Earth including quartz sand and mica. It is commonly employed in the construction industry, in machinery, and power tools as an abrasive. Workers exposed to silica are at risk of developing silicosis, a potentially fatal lung disease. The condition occurs when crystalline particles become trapped in the lungs, preventing the lungs' ability take in oxygen. This can cause variety of other symptoms, like coughing, wheezing and difficulty in breathing.Silicosis is usually seen within a few months after exposure, and there is no cure. Mesothelioma can be described as a cancer that affects mesothelium, the layer of tissue that covers the majority of internal organs. Most commonly, it affects the lungs. However, it may also affect the stomach (peritoneal) as well as the heart (pericardial).Exposure to asbestos is considered the main mesothelioma cause, though other causes are rare. Asbestos was widely used in the United States for its durability and properties to resist fire. It was extensively used in commercial, industrial and military applications prior to becoming prohibited in the 1970s. The most popular forms of mesothelioma include the pleural and pericardial, while the pericardial form is less prevalent. Mesothelioma may also develop in the membrane covering testicles.The symptoms of mesothelioma can be compared to other illnesses and conditions, such as pneumonia. This makes it difficult to diagnose mesothelioma. Patients should consult a doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis and receive the best treatment.If doctors suspect mesothelioma they may request a biopsy. talcum powder causes mesothelioma is done by doctors who remove a small amount of tissue or fluid and then examine it under a microscope to detect mesothelioma.Doctors can identify the mesothelioma-specific type of cells which affects the prognosis of a patient. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up the majority of mesothelioma cases, and is the most responsive to treatment. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma can be more difficult to treat and has a less favorable prognosis than epithelioid. There is also a biphasic type of mesothelioma which is a mix of sarcomatoid and epithelioid cells. It is seen in 30% to 40% of cases.ErioniteErionite is a fibrous rock, is found in volcanic ash. Its light, almost wool-like appearance has earned it the nicknames "the asbestos of Turkey" and "asbestos’s evil twin". Erionite, as asbestos is a mineral fiber that can be extracted to use in a variety industrial and construction materials. Its fibers, which are stronger and more heat resistant than asbestos, make it a popular alternative in many applications. However, erionite has been associated with increased incidences of mesothelioma as well as other health issues in communities that have been exposed.Mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer, affects the mesothelium. It is composed of specialized cells which line and protect organs within the body. The majority of mesothelioma types are found in the pleura (a membrane that covers the lungs as well as the chest cavity). Other sites include the peritoneum, a membrane that surrounds abdominal organs, as well as the pericardium.The exposure to the mineral erionite is known to cause mesothelioma and interstitial and pulmonary fibrisis. It may also trigger an autoimmune reaction, such as autoantibodies or elevated levels of IL-17, an immune system's regulator. Like asbestos, erionite soluble in water and may have been inhaled through air pollution or swallowed by people who worked in mines or manufacturing sites in which it was manufactured.Research has shown that the inhabitants of villages in Cappadocia, Turkey, where erionite was found near the surface of the earth's crust, had very high rates of mesothelioma. The villagers were exposed the substance through environmental sources since birth. In some instances, erionite was found in lung tissue samples of mesothelioma victims.Researchers concluded that the capacity of erionite to induce mesothelioma is much more potent than any other asbestos type. Its capacity to cause mesothelioma because of a combination of GxE interactions. This includes the interaction between exposure erionite and genetic predisposition.Carbon DioxideCarbon dioxide is an invisible gas that is naturally present in the air. Carbon dioxide is created by animals and plants as they exhale the toxic waste products that result from their metabolic processes. It is ingested and then enter the bloodstream. The levels of carbon dioxide in the veins are lower than in the blood vessels. In healthy individuals, the concentration of carbon dioxide in blood is about 4 percent.Carbon dioxide is released into the air by certain industrial processes. Carbon dioxide can be formed when asbestos-containing materials are burned. Inhaling the smoke may cause irritation to the lungs and eventually lead to mesothelioma.Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects the mesothelium, a thin layer of cells that lines and protects various organs of the body. The two major types of mesothelioma are pleural as well as mesothelioma peritoneal. In rare cases mesothelioma may occur in the lining of the heart (pericardial mesothelioma) and in the membrane which surrounds the testicles (testicular mesothelioma).Patients with symptoms of mesothelioma must see their physician. The doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos. The doctor will also review the medical history of the patient for other factors that may be contributing to mesothelioma such as smoking or genetic predisposition.The doctors will employ imaging tests to identify mesothelioma. This includes chest X-rays and CT scans. They may also use PET scans or MRI scans. These tests can help doctors see any areas of abnormality like calcium deposits or fluid buildup that could be connected with mesothelioma.It can be difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed in the beginning. The patient's age and general health are also important to consider when making a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Patients who are younger and healthier tend to have better outcomes. Also, non-smokers have higher chance of being able to survive mesothelioma than those who smoke. Smokers are more susceptible to complications during surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment. This could be a significant factor in their long term survival.