Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is most often found in the lung lining (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). This rare cancer also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes.
Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some people diagnosed with mesothelioma may not have an asbestos-related history.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos, a mineral that is of natural origin was used in the past for industrial and construction products throughout the globe. The workers in asbestos industries were exposed to asbestos each day. Asbestos particles can be stuck in the lungs where they cause progressive lung disease. This is known as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos 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.
The majority of mesothelioma cases result from exposure to occupational toxins. Asbestos is widely used in professions, including electrical work and automobile maintenance. Because these professions are dominated by males, 75-80% percent of mesothelioma is diagnosed in males. 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 led to a shift of cases and asbestos exposure in non-occupational settings becoming more frequent.
Non-occupational Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos is released in the workplace or at school or at home. The secondhand exposure can also trigger it, for instance, when a family members touches the clothing of an asbestos worker. The people who suffer from this type of exposure might experience symptoms like breathing problems or chest pain that is often mistaken for lung or heart problems.
Certain studies have found a link between non-occupational exposure and mesothelioma. However, the results are not consistent. The studies were conducted with only a few participants, and the heterogeneity between studies was substantial. Further research is needed to confirm the links between exposure to non-occupational sources and mesothelioma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos in non-occupational settings should speak to your doctor about their asbestos-related background. They should request mesothelioma testing in the event of concerns, and ask for an appointment with a specialist. Specialists in mesothelioma will provide the most effective treatment and care to improve a patient's outlook. They will review medical records and conduct imaging tests to determine if mesothelioma is present. They will also provide advice on how to file mesothelioma suits to claim compensation from asbestos trust funds.
Secondhand Exposure
While exposure to asbestos is the leading cause of mesothelioma not the only way to develop this cancer. There is evidence that those who haven't been exposed to asbestos or worked in a workplace with asbestos-related activities may still develop mesothelioma. This is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure, or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibres are very tiny and can stick to hair, clothing and skin. This means that workers may bring the harmful fibers home in their work clothes and transfer them to family members. These asbestos fibers could be swallowed or inhaled leading to mesothelioma.
This form of mesothelioma is more prevalent in women, and usually occurs in the lungs. However, it could also be found in the abdomen or 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 swelling in the scrotum.
Pleural mesothelioma is a name given to mesothelioma which is found in the lungs. Mesothelioma affecting the chest wall or stomach is known as mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. A patient suffering from this type of mesothelioma can be afflicted by a variety such as abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation.
According to numerous studies, those who have not been exposed to asbestos while at work are still susceptible to developing mesothelioma thanks to exposure through secondhand sources. They typically lived with someone who was exposed to asbestos. They may have worn the clothing of an asbestos worker, or had other contact with the asbestos worker.
Veterans are at a high risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used in military bases vessels, vehicles and bases. The Navy is at a greater risk, as asbestos was employed in the hull and gun turrets on ships to guard them from fire. Additionally, sailors often brought asbestos back from their work aboard ships that were contaminated by the material.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma has been linked with various substances. The disease is often linked to asbestos exposure. Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used in manufacturing for a number of years. fishers asbestos attorney is heat-resistant and durable making it ideal for insulation, brakes and flooring, shingles, and many other products. When asbestos is broken up, it creates dust that can be breathed in or swallowed. These fibers can remain in the lungs or stomach for years, and trigger mesothelioma-related symptoms.
The most frequent mesothelioma-related symptoms are difficulty breathing, abdominal pain and chest pain. 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 a doctor if you have these symptoms. It is also important to inform your doctor of your past history of asbestos. This can prevent a wrong diagnosis and ensure that you receive the proper treatment.
The most commonly affected mesothelioma victims from asbestos exposure are those who have been directly exposed to asbestos, but it is also possible for loved relatives to be affected. This is called secondary exposure. Family members can breathe in asbestos fibers on the clothing of a worker, shoes, or other tools. They may be exposed to asbestos by someone who brings home the particles on their clothing or hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families must be sure to wash their clothing properly after working around asbestos.
There is a substantial amount of research that suggests the connection between exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma, but there are no definitive conclusions yet about the role of other agents. There is some evidence to suggest that the chlorosotile and erionite zeolites, can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in the soil and rocks from certain regions in Turkey where the risk of mesothelioma in the pleural cavity is high.
Research on the relationship between mesothelioma and nonasbestos exposure continues. Funnel plots suggest the possibility of publication bias and there is a significant level of heterogeneity among studies. It is evident that asbestos exposure is the biggest mesothelioma risk factor.
Genetics
The mesothelioma rare disease occurs when malignant cells of the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It can be spread throughout the body by traversing the lymphatic system or bloodstream and affecting other organs. Although asbestos is the principal cause of mesothelioma is not the sole risk factor. Other environmental and genetic factors can cause the condition.
Certain cases of mesothelioma have been seen in people who did not directly expose themselves to asbestos. They are known as non-occupational victims of mesothelioma. They typically experienced an indirect exposure due to the handling of contaminated clothing or household items by an asbestos-exposed individual in their home. For instance, it is possible for one to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers from clothing belonging to a loved ones. 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 a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma could play a part in the development of the disease. Recent studies have shown the mutation in the gene BAP1 increases the risk of mesothelioma developing among asbestos-exposed patients. This is particularly important because it could be the basis for improved screening procedures for those at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have discovered that a range of genes are associated with mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in limiting the growth of tumors and are frequently altered or mutated in mesothelioma sufferers. These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2), and NF2.
People with a family history of mesothelioma are at an increased risk for the cancer. Some genes, such as BAP1, for instance, BAP1, are inherited from parents. Veterans have the highest mesothelioma rate when compared to other occupational categories because asbestos was extensively used in the military. Those who served in the Navy and on ships were at greatest risk because of the extensive exposure to asbestos in insulation, fireproofing materials, and shipbuilding.