7 Things About Mesothelioma Non Asbestos Exposure You'll Kick Yourself For Not Knowing
Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung's lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). The rare cancer may also form in the tissue lining the heart (pericardium) or the testes.
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some patients diagnosed with mesothelioma don't have any history of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously used in construction and industrial products all over the world. The workers in asbestos-related industries handled the material on a daily basis, putting them at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause lung disease. This is called asbestosis. Over time, the fibers that have been trapped in the lungs can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed through the skin. The risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases rises with exposure.
Most cases of mesothelioma result from occupational exposure. Asbestos was employed in many trades, including construction insulation and electrical work, as well as automobile maintenance and pipefitting. As these trades are dominated by males 75-80% of mesothelioma patients are men. However, the gradual elimination of asbestos in the United States and other first-world countries has decreased on-the-job exposure. This has resulted in an increase in cases with occupational exposure becoming more common.
Non-occupational Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos is released in the workplace or found at the home or in schools. The secondhand exposure can also trigger it, for instance, when a family members touches the clothes worn by an asbestos worker. Those who experience this type of exposure might experience symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain that is often mistaken as heart or lung conditions.
Some studies have linked mesothelioma with non-occupational exposure, however the results differ. The studies were conducted with a small number of participants, and the heterogeneity between studies was quite high. Further research is needed to establish the connection between mesothelioma and exposure to non-occupational substances.
Anyone who has been exposed to non-occupational exposure should discuss their asbestos history with their physician. If they are concerned, they should ask for mesothelioma screening and a referral to an expert. Mesothelioma specialists can offer patients the best treatment and care options to improve their odds of survival. They will review medical records, and perform imaging tests to identify the disease. They will also offer advice on how to file a mesothelioma suit to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
While exposure to asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma not the only way to get this cancer. There is evidence to suggest that people who have never been exposed to asbestos or worked in industries that have asbestos-related activities may still develop mesothelioma. This is known as secondary or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are extremely small and can adhere to clothing, hair or skin as well as other surfaces. Workers may carry harmful fibers in their work clothes at home and then pass them on to family members. The asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma if inhaled or consumed.
This type of mesothelioma occurs more frequently among women and typically in the lung. However, it can be found in the abdomen and the chest wall. The most commonly reported symptoms is breathlessness (dyspnea), and it is often coupled with other signs like fluid in the lungs, or a swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma that develops in the lungs is known as pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the chest wall, stomach, or is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. A person with this type of mesothelioma may be afflicted by a variety such as abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and constipation.
Several studies have reported that people with no history of occupational exposure to asbestos could develop mesothelioma as a result of exposure to harmful fibers. They typically resided with someone who was exposed to asbestos. They could have been in contact with the clothing of the asbestos worker, or had other contact with the asbestos worker.
Veterans are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma due to asbestos that was widely used in military bases, vehicles and ships. The Navy is particularly at risk since asbestos was used to insulate the hull the ship as well as to protect gun turrets. Asbestos was also frequently brought home by sailors from their jobs aboard ships that had been infected with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma has been linked to a variety of substances. The disease is often linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used in manufacturing for a number of years. The mineral is resistant to heat and strong, which makes it ideal for insulation, brakes, flooring, shingles and other products. Asbestos is broken down to dust that can be inhaled and swallowed. These fibers may remain in the lungs and stomach for a long time, triggering symptoms of mesothelioma.
The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms include breathing problems, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Asbestos exposure can cause these symptoms to persist for up to 60 years. Symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. Telling your doctor about asbestos exposure is essential. This can help avoid a false diagnosis and ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
The most commonly affected victims of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure are those who worked directly with it, but it is also possible for loved family members to be affected. This is known as secondary exposure. Family members may inhale or swallow asbestos fibers from the work footwear, clothing, or tools. They may be exposed to asbestos to these particles on their clothing or hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must take care to wash their clothing properly after working with asbestos.
There is a substantial amount of research that suggests the connection between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma. However, there is no conclusive evidence yet about the role of other agents. For instance there is evidence that the zeolites erionite and chlorosotile can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in the soil and rocks in certain parts of Turkey, where pleural mesothelioma rates are high.
Research into the relationship between mesothelioma exposure and asbestos exposure is ongoing. ann arbor asbestos lawsuit have indicated the potential for 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 of the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It can also spread throughout the body by traveling through the bloodstream or lymphatic system and affecting other organs. Asbestos is the most common cause, but it is not the only cause. Other genetic and environmental factors can cause the condition.
Some mesothelioma cases have been seen in people who did not directly expose themselves to asbestos. These people are called non-occupational victims of mesothelioma. These individuals typically had indirect exposure from the handling of contaminated clothing or household items by an asbestos-exposed individual within their household. For instance, it is possible for people to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma as a result of the exposure to asbestos fibers in a loved one's clothing. Studies show that these types of mesothelioma patients tend to have longer latency periods and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives rather than husbands.
Scientists are currently studying the possibility that mesothelioma's genetic predisposition might play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have demonstrated that the mutation in BAP1 genes increases the risk of mesothelioma among asbestos-exposed people. This is particularly important because it could be the basis for improved screening procedures for those at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a number of genes that are related to mesothelioma. Certain of these genes are involved in suppressing tumor growth and are often altered or mutated in mesothelioma sufferers. These genes include the major homolog 2 of tumor suppressor (LATS2) and the NF2.
A family history of the disease can increase the risk. This is due to the fact that certain genes, like BAP1 BAP1 gene, can be passed down from the parents. Veterans have the highest mesothelioma rates 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 the highest risk due to asbestos exposure in shipbuilding, insulation, and fireproofing materials.