Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
The majority of mesothelioma cases occur on the lung linings and abdomen. The rare cancer may also form in the heart's lining (pericardium) or testes.
Asbestos is a major mesothelioma-related risk factor. Some patients with mesothelioma do not have a prior history of exposure to asbestos.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once used in construction and industrial products worldwide. People who worked in asbestos industries handled the mineral every day and were at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the lungs, which can lead to progressive lung diseases. This is referred to as asbestosis. As time passes the trapped fibers may cause mesothelioma as well. Asbestos can also be breathed in or eaten and the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases increases depending on the duration and amount of exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by occupational exposure. Asbestos is a common ingredient in professions, including electrical work and automobile maintenance. These trades are typically heavily populated by males and as a consequence 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 reduced exposure to asbestos on the job. This has resulted in an increase in cases with non-occupational exposure becoming more prevalent.
Non-occupational mesothelioma can develop when asbestos is released from the workplace environment or in the school or home environment. It can also be caused by secondhand exposure for example, when a family member wears the work clothes of an asbestos worker who has been exposed. This type of exposure can cause symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breathe that are often mistaken for heart conditions or lung ailments.
Some studies have linked mesothelioma with non-occupational exposures, but the results vary. Many of these studies were conducted on a limited sample size, and within-study heterogeneity has been high. More research is needed to establish the causality between non-occupational exposure and mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in non-occupational settings should consult your doctor about their asbestos-related history. They should seek mesothelioma tests in the event of concerns, and ask for an appointment with an expert. Specialists in mesothelioma can provide the best treatment and care to improve a patient's chances of survival. They will analyze medical records and perform imaging tests to diagnose mesothelioma. They will also give guidance on how to file mesothelioma suits to claim compensation from asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
While asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only way to develop this disease. There is evidence that people who have never handled asbestos or worked in a workplace with asbestos-related activities may still develop mesothelioma. This is referred to as secondary or non-occupational exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers are extremely small and are able to stick to clothing, hair and skin. This means that workers could bring the hazardous fibers home on their work clothes, and then transfer them to family members. The asbestos fibers that are scattered around can be swallowed or inhaled leading to mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma type is more common in women, and it usually occurs in the lungs. It can also affect the chest wall or abdomen. The most commonly reported symptoms is breathlessness (dyspnea), and it can be coupled with other signs like fluid in the lungs, or a swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma which occurs in the lungs is called mesothelioma of the pleural region. Mesothelioma that is affecting the chest wall or stomach is referred to as mesothelioma peritoneal. A patient suffering from this type of mesothelioma may suffer from a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation.
Numerous studies have revealed that individuals with no previous history of exposure to asbestos can still develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to harmful fibers. Most often, these people have been living with someone who was exposed to the dangerous substance. They may have touched the clothing of the worker or been in contact with asbestos in other ways.
Veterans are at a greater risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos that was extensively used in military bases as well as vehicles and ships. The Navy is particularly at risk since asbestos was used to protect the hull of the ship as well as to protect gun turrets. Asbestos was also often brought home by sailors from their jobs aboard ships that had been affected by asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma is linked to a variety of substances. The disease is often associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was utilized for a number of years in manufacturing. The mineral is heat-resistant and tough, which makes it ideal for use in insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and other products. Asbestos is broken down into dust which can be breathed in and swallowed. These fibers can remain in the lungs or stomach for a long time, triggering mesothelioma symptoms.
The most common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, abdominal discomfort and trouble breathing. Asbestos exposure can cause these symptoms to last for up to 60 years. Symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases, therefore it is essential to consult an expert if you experience these symptoms. It is also important to inform your doctor of your past history of asbestos. This can help prevent an incorrect diagnosis and ensure that you receive the correct treatment.
The most commonly affected mesothelioma victims from asbestos exposure are those who have been directly exposed to asbestos but it is possible for loved ones to be affected. This is referred to as secondary exposure. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers on the clothes of a worker's tools or shoes. These particles can be sprayed on the home by someone wearing or having hair. It is for this reason that mesothelioma sufferers and their families must wash their clothes properly after working with asbestos.
There is a substantial body of literature showing the connection between asbestos and mesothelioma. However, there are still no definitive conclusions about the role of other agents. There is savannah asbestos attorneys to suggest that zeolites, erionite and chlorosotile are able to cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in soil and rocks in some regions of Turkey where mesothelioma occurrence rates are high.
The study of the relationship between nonasbestos and mesothelioma continues. Funnel plots suggest 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
The mesothelioma-related rare disease is a condition in which malignant cells of the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It can also spread throughout the body through the lymphatic or blood system, affecting other organs. Although asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma is not the only risk factor. Other genetic and environmental factors can cause the disease.
Some mesothelioma cases have been seen in people who were not exposed directly themselves to asbestos. They are known as non-occupational mesothelioma patients. These individuals were typically exposed through the handling of hazardous household items or clothing by someone who was exposed asbestos in their home. It is possible to be diagnosed with mesothelioma following inhaling asbestos fibers from the clothing of a family member. Research has shown that these types of mesothelioma cases tend to have longer latency periods and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives than husbands.
Scientists are currently studying the possibility that mesothelioma's genetic susceptibility might play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have shown that mutations in a gene called BAP1 could increase the risk of mesothelioma among people who are exposed to asbestos. This finding is especially important because it could be the basis for improved screening procedures for those who are at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a number of genes that are associated with mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in suppressing tumor growth and are often altered or mutated in mesothelioma patients. These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and NF2.
People with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk for the cancer. Some genes, such as BAP1, for instance, BAP1 which is passed down from parents. Veterans have the highest rates of mesothelioma when compared to other occupational categories because asbestos was heavily used in the military. People who worked on ships or in the Navy were at greatest risk because of asbestos exposure in shipbuilding, insulation, and fireproofing materials.