What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos?
Asbestos, a mineral that is toxic to humans, is broken down into tiny fibers. When these fibres are disturbed they become airborne and people can breathe them in. Once inhaled, these fibres could cause lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos is the sole cause of mesothelioma. Inhaling asbestos or eating asbestos can cause mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes irritation and alters the cells of the lung's lining, abdomen, heart or tests.
1. Smoking
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can be fatal is a rare illness. charlotte asbestos lawsuit affects a thin layer of tissue that covers most organs of the body. It can develop around each lung (pleural msothelioma), or in the lining of the chest cavity and abdomen (peritoneal msothelioma). It can also develop in the testicles or around the heart (pericardial mesothelioma).
Asbestos is a group of minerals made up of microscopic fibres. It was used in buildings, vehicles and dozens of other products from the 1930s through the beginning of the 1980s since it was affordable and durable, as well as fire-proof. Workers who worked with asbestos such as shipbuilders and electricians, or steelworkers were at the highest risk. Mesothelioma patients are most likely to develop cancer for decades after their exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma cases result from exposure to asbestos, but some patients do not have an identifiable cause external to the disease. Patients may be affected by genetic or environmental risk factors.
Certain mesotheliomas can be caused by germline mutations in BAP1. Most often, these are found in families with a history of cancer. A small number of mesotheliomas are linked with the SV40 virus. SV40 can trigger genes that promote the growth of tumors. It was used in polio vaccines in the 1950s and 1960s. Researchers have discovered that talcum powder could increase the risk of mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that women who live near men who have worked with asbestos pick the asbestos fibres off of their clothing.
2. Alcohol
Symptoms of mesothelioma can appear anywhere between 20 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos. It is important to inform your doctor about your asbestos exposure and request tests to test for mesothelioma. You should also find mesothelioma experts to ensure you receive the best treatment and care.
Inhaling asbestos fibers or ingesting them get trapped in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the organs and tissues within your body. The fibers penetrate the cells and cause inflammation, which can cause tumors. Breathing problems are the most frequent symptom. Other symptoms include chest pain.
Inflammation from mesothelioma may cause the lungs to expand which makes it difficult for patients to breathe. Pleural effusion, also known as pleural fluid buildup can be caused by mesothelioma. The ability to control fluid buildup can help increase breathlessness.
Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma or other health issues caused by asbestos exposure. Smoking alters lung tissue function which may affect the capacity of the lungs to eliminate asbestos fibers.
Other lifestyle factors like a genetic predisposition or a compromised immune system, could increase your risk of developing mesothelioma. A few of these are mesothelioma in the family and a habit of smoking. These factors can also affect how long mesothelioma takes to diagnose and treat.
3. Drugs
Mesothelioma starts when the genetic makeup of a patient changes (mutates). As these mutations grow the cells become uncontrollable and begin to develop abnormal tumors.

There are various types of mesothelioma, and the symptoms vary depending on which organ or system is affected. Pleural mesothelioma, the most prevalent type of this cancer. It is found in the lungs, and is characterized by chest discomfort coughing, shortness of breath. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a lesser frequent, but still a deadly cancer that develops in the lining around the abdomen. Both types can exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of other diseases making it difficult to diagnose.
Mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. The mineral is naturally occurring and consists of a collection of thin, long and extremely strong fibers found in soil and rocks. It was extensively used in the 20th century for a building material, car parts and other products, long before scientists discovered its hazards to human health.
If asbestos is disturbed, the tiny fibers become airborne and are able to be inhaled or swallowed. They may settle in the linings of the lungs or stomach, causing irritation. This can result in mesothelioma. The majority of people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at work. The most at risk are asbestos miners, people working in the construction industry, factory workers, insulation manufacturers and installers as well as automotive and railroad workers and ship builders. Family members of these workers are also at increased risk because they can inhale or swallow asbestos fibers while their loved ones are working.
4. Alcoholism
The symptoms of mesothelioma are varied however, the majority of patients experience shortness of breathing (dyspnea) and breathing difficulties. Some patients may experience abdominal pain, chest pain, or a general feeling of malaise.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissue that surrounds your lungs, stomach, the heart, and other organs. Asbestos fibers can cause malignant mesothelioma if they are trapped in the tissue. It takes years for this tissue to start developing tumors, but when it occurs, cancerous cells develop. Mesothelioma is classified into four different types. The most prevalent type is pleural, which affects your lung's lining. Other types include peritoneal mesothelioma pericardial mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma sufferers typically has a history exposure to asbestos which is a mineral that occurs naturally utilized in a variety industries for pipes, insulation and other products. The majority of people with mesothelioma are exposed to asbestos in their work, whether directly or through the air. The most frequent exposures are construction workers, miners and shipyard workers.
Men are more prone to mesothelioma, and it usually affects people who are older than 50. This could be due to the fact that males are more likely than women to have been employed in jobs that involved asbestos exposure. A genetic mutation called BAP1 has also been linked to mesothelioma, but it's very uncommon.
5. Alcohol abuse
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers can lead to mesothelioma. This is a type of cancer. The tiniest asbestos particles can get into the lungs, heart or abdomen, where they irritate and damage tissue. Certain asbestos-related diseases don't show up until years after exposure.
The first mesothelioma symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain or abdominal discomfort. A lot of people with these symptoms don't realize they have mesothelioma, until they consult a physician to address other health issues. It is crucial to inform your doctor about any previous history of exposure to asbestos. This can help you receive a a faster and more accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure, and it develops in the lung. Other mesothelioma types are peritoneal and cardiac, which develop in the abdomen or around the heart. Mesothelioma is more common for those working in asbestos-related industries, like shipbuilding and manufacturing, construction and energy production. The military also exposed veterans to asbestos because it was employed in naval vessels and barracks.
Other mesothelioma risk factors include the SV40 virus, BAP1 and other gene mutations, as well as radiation therapy that is used to treat cancer. Erionite, a mineral which has a similar structure to asbestos, could also cause mesothelioma. Researchers have discovered that disulfiram or Antabuse, which is used to help addicts overcome addiction by stopping the body's ability to process alcohol, can inhibit mesothelioma cell growth.
6. Cancer
Patients with mesothelioma need to understand how their condition was caused. That knowledge helps them to be aware of and prevent future instances. Mesothelioma is usually the result of exposure to asbestos, which is a group of minerals made of flexible fibers that resist electricity and fire. Asbestos was widely used in construction until it was banned. These tiny fibers can be inhaled, causing the lining of your stomach or lungs to develop a cancerous cells. Typically, symptoms don't appear until 20 years after exposure.
Many Americans were exposed to asbestos in their careers, especially those in industrial jobs. The risk increases depending on the amount of asbestos used and duration of exposure. Painting, insulation and roofing are all common jobs that require asbestos exposure.
Other causes of mesothelioma include the SV40 virus and Erionite. Radiation treatment as well as genetic mutations and erionite are also factors. Some of them are linked to asbestos, while others aren't. For instance the germline mutation of BAP1 in certain families can increase mesothelioma risk, but it is extremely rare.
Even if the patient cannot recall any mesothelioma-related exposure, they should still seek medical care. Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance the outlook for mesothelioma. Also, an experienced mesothelioma lawyer might be able to help them find possible sources of exposure as well as compensation. An attorney for mesothelioma has the expertise and resources to research possible asbestos exposure sources.