Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). This rare cancer may develop in the linings around the heart or the testes (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. colorado springs asbestos lawyer with mesothelioma do not have a previous history of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos, which is a mineral of natural origin, was utilized in the past for construction and industrial products throughout the world. The workers in asbestos industries were exposed to asbestos each day. Asbestos fibres can lodge in the lungs, causing progressive lung disease. This is referred to as asbestosis. Over time, the fibers that have been trapped in the lungs may cause mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled, ingested or even absorbed through the skin. The chance of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases rises when exposed.
Most cases of mesothelioma stem from exposure to occupational toxins. Asbestos is a common ingredient in jobs, including electrical work, and maintenance of automobiles. These professions are usually heavily populated by males, and as a result mesothelioma cases involving males make up 75-80% of all reported cases. 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 non-occupational asbestos exposure increasing in frequency.
Non-occupational mesothelioma can occur when asbestos is released from the workplace environment or is found in the school or home surroundings. Exposure to asbestos from the outside can cause it, for instance, when a family member is exposed to the clothing of an asbestos worker. This kind of exposure could cause symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath that are often mistaken for heart conditions or lung ailments.
Some studies have linked mesothelioma with non-occupational exposure, but the results are different. A majority of these studies were conducted on a small sample size, and the between-study heterogeneity has been high. It is essential to conduct additional research in order to confirm the link between asbestos exposure in non-occupational settings and mesothelioma.
Those with non-occupational exposure should discuss their asbestos history with their doctor. If they are concerned, they should ask for mesothelioma screening and a referral to a specialist. Specialists in mesothelioma can provide the best treatment and care to improve a patient's outlook. They will analyze medical records, and perform imaging tests to diagnose the disease. They will also provide guidance on how to file mesothelioma lawsuits to get compensation from asbestos trust funds.
Secondhand Exposure
While exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only reason to develop this cancer. There is evidence that people who have never been exposed to asbestos or worked in industries that have asbestos-related activities can still develop mesothelioma. This is known as secondary asbestos exposure, or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibres are very tiny and can stick to hair, clothing, and skin. In the end, workers may bring the harmful fibers home on their work clothes and transfer them to family members. These asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma if inhaled or ingestion.
This type of mesothelioma is more prevalent in women, and usually occurs in the lung. It can also affect the chest wall or abdomen. The most frequent symptom is shortness of breath (dyspnea) and it is often associated with other symptoms such as fluid in the lungs or swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma that occurs in the lungs is called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the term used for mesothelioma that affects the stomach wall or the chest wall. This kind of mesothelioma could cause a number of symptoms like abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and constipation.
A number of studies have shown that even those who have no prior previous history of exposure to asbestos can still develop mesothelioma due to exposure to harmful fibers. Most often, these people have been living with someone who was exposed to the harmful substance. They might have handled the clothing of the worker, or they might have had other contact with asbestos.
Veterans are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma due to the extensive use of asbestos in military bases, ships and vehicles. The Navy is particularly at risk because asbestos was used to insulate the hull the ship, as well as to fireproof gun turrets. Asbestos was also frequently brought home by sailors who had returned from their work aboard ships that had been infected with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma is linked to a variety of substances. However, the condition is usually linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used in manufacturing for many years. It is a heat-resistant material and tough which makes it suitable for insulation, brakes and flooring, shingles, and other products. When asbestos is broken, it creates dust which can be inhaled or swallowed. These fibers can stay in the lungs and stomach for a long time, triggering mesothelioma-related symptoms.
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Asbestos exposure can cause these symptoms to last for up to 60 years. It is important to consult an expert physician if you experience these symptoms. Notifying your doctor of asbestos exposure is important. This will prevent the wrong diagnosis and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.
Mesothelioma resulting from exposure to asbestos is more common in people who worked directly with the material, but it can also be a problem for loved people who were exposed. This is called secondary exposure. Family members can take in asbestos fibers or swallow them on the clothing of a worker, shoes or tools. These particles could be sprayed on the home by someone wearing or having hair. It is for this reason that mesothelioma sufferers as well as their families must always clean their clothes after working with asbestos.
There is a significant collection of studies that show a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma, but there aren't any definitive conclusions yet on the role of other agents. For instance there is evidence that the zeolites erionite and chrysotile may cause mesothelioma. Erionite can be found in soil and rocks of certain parts in Turkey where the rate of mesothelioma in the pleural cavity is high.
The study on the relationship between asbestos and mesothelioma is ongoing. Funnel plots have revealed the possibility of bias in publications, and the there is a high degree of heterogeneity between studies. It is clear that asbestos exposure is the biggest mesothelioma risk factor.
Genetics
The rare disease mesothelioma occurs when malignant cells in the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It is also able to spread throughout the body via the blood or lymphatic system, and affect other organs. While asbestos is the main mesothelioma trigger, it isn't the sole risk factor. The condition may be caused by other genetic or environmental factors.
In some cases mesothelioma has been found in people who were not exposed to asbestos. These are referred to as mesothelioma victims who are not employed. They typically experienced an indirect exposure due to the handling of contaminated clothes or home items by an asbestos-exposed person in their home. For instance, it is possible for someone to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma due to the exposure to asbestos fibers in a loved one's clothing. Studies have shown that this kind of mesothelioma tends to have an extended latency time and is more likely to be found in women than males.
Scientists are currently investigating the possibility that mesothelioma's genetic predisposition could play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have shown the mutation in BAP1 genes increases the risk of mesothelioma among asbestos-exposed patients. This finding is important because it could lead to improved screening procedures for people who are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a number of genes that are related to mesothelioma. These genes are usually mutated in mesothelioma and inhibit tumor growth. These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and NF2.
A family history of the disease can increase the risk. This is due to certain genes, including BAP1 BAP1, can be inherited from a parent. Veterans have the highest mesothelioma rates in comparison to other occupational groups because asbestos was heavily used in the military. The people who served in the Navy and on ships were particularly at greatest risk because of the extensive exposure to asbestos in insulation, fireproofing materials and shipbuilding.
