Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
Most commonly, mesothelioma develops on the lung linings as well as the abdomen. This rare cancer can also form in the linings of the heart or the testes (pericardium).
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some people diagnosed with mesothelioma may not have a history of asbestos exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was previously employed in industrial and construction products all over the world. People who worked in asbestos-related industries handled the material every day which put them at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can get lodged in the lungs, which can lead to progressive lung diseases. This is referred to as asbestosis. Over time the fibers that are trapped can cause mesothelioma as well. Asbestos fibers can be inhaled, ingested or even absorbed through the skin. The chance of developing mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases increases when exposed.
Most cases of mesothelioma stem from exposure to occupational toxins. Asbestos was utilized in a variety of trades, such as construction, insulation and electrical work, as well as automobile maintenance and pipefitting. These trades are typically dominated by men, and as a result mesothelioma cases involving males comprise 75-80% of all reported cases. The phase-out of asbestos in the United States, and other first-world nations has reduced on-the-job contamination. This has resulted in an increase in cases and asbestos exposure outside of the workplace increasing in frequency.
Non-occupational Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos is released at the workplace or found at school or at home. Exposure to asbestos from the outside can cause it, for example when a family member is exposed to the clothes worn by an asbestos worker. The people who suffer from this type of exposure might experience symptoms like breathlessness or chest pain, which is often mistaken for lung or heart problems.
Some studies have linked mesothelioma with non-occupational exposure, but the results differ. A majority of these studies were conducted on a small sample size, and within-study heterogeneity has been 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 background with their physician. If they are concerned, they should seek for mesothelioma screening and a referral to a specialist. Specialists in mesothelioma will provide the best treatment and care to improve a patient's prognosis. They will look over medical records and perform imaging tests to identify mesothelioma. They will also provide guidance on how to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to get compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of mesothelioma. But, it's not the only one. There is evidence to suggest that people who have never had exposure to asbestos or worked in industries that have asbestos-related activities can still develop mesothelioma. This is known as secondary or non-occupational exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers are very small, and they can stick to clothing, hair, skin and other surfaces. In the end, workers could bring the hazardous fibers home on their work clothes and then transfer them to family members. The asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma if inhaled or consumed.
The mesothelioma type is found more frequently in women and usually in the lungs. However, it can also be found in the abdomen or the chest wall. The most frequent symptoms is breathlessness (dyspnea) and it may be accompanied by other symptoms like fluid in the lungs, or a swelling in the scrotum.
Pleural mesothelioma refers to the name given to mesothelioma which occurs in the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the term used for mesothelioma that affects the stomach wall or the chest wall. A person with this type of mesothelioma might suffer from a variety of symptoms such as abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation.
According to a variety of studies, individuals who have not been exposed to asbestos in the workplace may still develop mesothelioma due to exposure through secondhand sources. The people who were affected typically lived with someone who was exposed to asbestos. They may have touched the clothing of the asbestos worker, or had other contact.
Veterans are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma due to the extensive asbestos use in military bases, vessels and vehicles. The Navy is at a greater risk since asbestos was employed in the hull and gun turrets on ships to guard them from fire. Asbestos was also often brought home by sailors from their jobs on ships that were contaminated.
Environmental Exposure
Mesothelioma is linked to various substances. The disease is still most often associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used for many years in manufacturing. The mineral is resistant to heat and tough which makes it suitable for insulation, brakes, flooring, shingles and other products. Asbestos is broken down into dust which can be breathed in and swallowed. baton rouge asbestos lawyer may remain in the stomach or lungs for a long time, triggering mesothelioma symptoms.
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain as well as abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Asbestos exposure can cause these symptoms to persist for up to 60 years. The symptoms can be misinterpreted as other ailments, so it is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. Informing your doctor about asbestos exposure is crucial. This can help prevent an incorrect diagnosis and ensure that you receive the right treatment.
Mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos is more frequent in those who have worked directly with the substance However, it is also able to affect loved people who were exposed. This is known as secondary exposure. Family members may take in asbestos fibers or swallow them on the clothes of a worker's shoes or tools. They may also be exposed by someone bringing home these particles on their clothing or hair. This is why mesothelioma patients and their families should always ensure that they clean their clothes properly after working around asbestos.
There is a substantial body of literature that shows an association between exposure to nonasbestos and mesothelioma, but there is no conclusive evidence yet regarding the role played by other agents. For instance, there is some evidence that the zeolites erionite and chrysotile can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in the soil and rocks from certain regions in Turkey where the rate of mesothelioma pleural is high.
The research on the relationship between nonasbestos and mesothelioma is in progress. Funnel plots have revealed 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 mesothelioma rare disease is a condition in which malignant cells of the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It is also able to spread throughout the body through the lymphatic or blood system, and affect other organs. Although asbestos is the principal mesothelioma trigger, it is not the only risk factor. The condition can be triggered by other environmental and genetic factors.
In some instances mesothelioma is seen in people who had no direct exposure to asbestos. They are known as non-occupational mesothelioma patients. These individuals typically had indirect exposure through the handling of contaminated clothes or home items handled by an asbestos-exposed person within their household. It is possible to be diagnosed with mesothelioma following breathing asbestos fibers in the clothing of a family member. Research has shown that these types of mesothelioma patients tend to have longer latency times and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives than in husbands.
Scientists are currently studying the possibility that mesothelioma's genetic susceptibility could play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have revealed that the mutation of BAP1 gene increases the risk of mesothelioma among asbestos-exposed patients. This finding is significant as it could lead improved screening procedures for people who are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have identified a variety of genes that are related to mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in reducing the growth of tumors and are frequently mutated or altered in mesothelioma patients. These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and NF2.
People who have mesothelioma-related family history are at an increased risk for the mesothelioma. This is because some genes, including BAP1 BAP1 gene, can be passed down from a parent. Asbestos was used heavily in the military for many years and veterans have the highest mesothelioma rate in comparison to other occupational groups. People who worked on ships and in the Navy were at highest risk of developing asbestos-related cancer due to exposure in shipbuilding, insulation and fireproofing materials.