5 Killer Quora Answers On Mesothelioma Non Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma typically develops in the lining of the lungs (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). This rare cancer also can develop in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or in the testes.
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some people diagnosed with mesothelioma may not have a history of asbestos case exposure.
Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once used in industrial and construction products worldwide. Workers in asbestos industries handled the material every day which put them at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, where they cause progressive lung disease. This is referred to as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos fibers that are trapped in the lungs can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos can also be inhaled or eaten and the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases rises with the length and quantity of exposure.
The majority of mesothelioma cases result from occupational exposure. Asbestos was used in a variety of trades, including construction, insulation electrical work, automotive maintenance and pipefitting. These trades are typically dominated by men and as a consequence mesothelioma-related cases of males account for 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 led to a shift in the number of cases and non-occupational asbestos exposure increasing in frequency.
Non-occupational mesothelioma may occur when asbestos is released from the work environment or is found in the home or school environment. It can also be caused by exposure to secondhand asbestos like when a family member is exposed to the work clothes of an exposed asbestos worker. This type of exposure can cause symptoms such as chest pain or a shortness of breathe, which are often mistaken for heart conditions or lung ailments.
Some studies have linked mesothelioma to non-occupational exposure, however the results are different. Many of these studies have been conducted on a small sample size, and the between-study heterogeneity has been high. It is imperative to conduct more studies to confirm the link between non-occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
People who have been exposed to non-occupational asbestos should discuss their asbestos medical history with their doctor. They should have mesothelioma screening when they are concerned and request a referral to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists are able to provide patients with the best treatment and care options to improve their chances of survival. They will look over medical records and conduct imaging tests to identify mesothelioma. They will also give advice on how to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to get compensation from an asbestos trust fund.
Secondhand Exposure
While asbestos compensation exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only factor that can cause you to develop this disease. In fact, there's a small amount of evidence that people can get mesothelioma even though they never directly handled asbestos or worked in an industry that involved asbestos-related activities. This is known as secondary or non-occupational asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers are very small and can adhere to hair, clothing, skin and other surfaces. Workers may carry dangerous fibers in their work clothing at home and then transmit them to family members. These stray asbestos fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, which can cause mesothelioma.
The mesothelioma type is found more often in women and is usually found in the lungs. However, it could also occur in the abdomen or chest wall. A shortness of breath is the most frequent sign. It can be caused by a variety of other symptoms, like lung fluid and swelling in the scrotum.
The mesothelioma that occurs in the lungs is called pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the term used for mesothelioma, which affects the stomach wall or chest wall. People suffering from this kind of mesothelioma may experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and constipation.
Numerous studies have revealed that people with no history of occupational exposure to asbestos could get mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos through secondhand fibers. They typically resided with someone who was exposed to asbestos lawyer. They might have handled the clothing of the worker, or they might have had other contact with asbestos.
Veterans are at a greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was extensively used in military bases, vehicles and ships. The Navy is especially at risk because asbestos was used to protect the hull of the ship as well as to protect gun turrets. In addition, sailors frequently brought home asbestos from their jobs on ships that were contaminated with asbestos.
Environmental Exposure
A variety of materials have been linked to mesothelioma. However, the disease is most often associated with exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was utilized for a number of years in manufacturing. The mineral is heat resistant and strong, making it ideal for use in insulation, brakes, shingles, flooring and other products. When asbestos is broken up it releases dust which can be inhaled or swallowed. The asbestos fibers can stay in the stomach or lungs for a long time, triggering mesothelioma symptoms.
The most frequent symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, abdominal discomfort and difficulty breathing. Asbestos victims might be suffering from these symptoms for up to 60 years or more after their first exposure. Symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to see your doctor if you exhibit these symptoms. It is also crucial to tell your doctor about your history with asbestos. This will prevent a faulty diagnosis and ensure that you receive the correct treatment.
Mesothelioma that is caused by exposure to asbestos is the most common in people who worked directly with asbestos however, it can also affect loved people who were exposed. This is called secondary exposure. Family members can inhale or swallow asbestos fibers on the clothes of a worker's shoes or tools. They could be exposed to asbestos to asbestos by someone who brings home these particles on their clothing or hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families should always be sure to clean their clothes properly after working around asbestos.
There is a large body of literature that shows a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However there aren't any definitive conclusions yet regarding the role played by other agents. There is some evidence to suggest that the zeolites, erionite and chlorosotile are able to cause mesothelioma. Erionite is found in the soil and in the rocks of certain areas of Turkey in which mesothelioma incidences are high in pleural mesot.
Research into the relationship between mesothelioma and nonasbestos exposure is continuing. Funnel plots indicate the possibility of bias in publications and there is a large level of heterogeneity between studies. However, it is still clear that occupational exposure to asbestos is the most significant risk factor for mesothelioma.
Genetics
The rare disease mesothelioma is a condition in which malignant cells of mesothelium multiply uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It is also able to spread throughout the body through the blood or lymphatic system, which can affect other organs. Although asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, it isn't the sole risk factor. The condition may be triggered by other environmental and genetic factors.
In some instances mesothelioma has been found in people who were not exposed to asbestos. They are known as non-occupational victims of mesothelioma. They typically experienced indirect exposure through the handling of contaminated clothing or home items by an asbestos lawsuit-exposed person within their household. For example, it is possible for someone to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma due to the inhalation of asbestos fibers from clothing belonging to a loved ones. Research has shown that these types of mesothelioma cases are more likely to have longer latency periods and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives than in husbands.
Scientists are currently investigating the possibility that a genetic predisposition to mesothelioma might play a role in the development of the disease. Recent studies have shown that the mutation of BAP1, a gene, could increase the risk of mesothelioma in people who are exposed to asbestos. This finding is significant as it could lead improved screening methods for those who are at high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Researchers have discovered that a range of genes are linked to mesothelioma. Some of these genes are involved in suppressing the growth of tumors and are frequently altered or mutated in mesothelioma sufferers. These genes include large tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and NF2.
A family history of the disease increases the risk. This is due to certain genes, like the BAP1 gene, can be passed down from an individual parent. Asbestos was used heavily in the military for a number of years and veterans suffer from the highest mesothelioma rate when compared to other occupational categories. People who were in the Navy and on ships were particularly at greatest risk because of the extensive exposure to asbestos (linked webpage) in fireproofing, insulation materials and shipbuilding.