Mesothelioma and Non Asbestos Exposure

The majority of mesothelioma cases occur on the linings of the lungs and abdomen. The rare cancer may also form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or the testes.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. However, some patients diagnosed with mesothelioma may not have a history of asbestos exposure.

Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was previously employed in industrial and construction products all over the world. The workers in asbestos industries handled the material on a regular basis which put them at risk of exposure. Asbestos fibers can become lodged in the lungs, which can lead to progressive lung disease. This is referred to as asbestosis. As time passes, the asbestos fibers that have been trapped in the lungs can also cause mesothelioma. Asbestos can also be breathed in or eaten and the risk of developing mesothelioma and other asbestos case-related diseases rises depending on the duration and amount of exposure.

The majority of mesothelioma cases are the result of occupational exposure. Asbestos was utilized in various trades, including construction, insulation electrical work, automotive maintenance and pipefitting. These occupations are generally heavily populated by males, and as a result, male mesothelioma cases account for 75-80 percent of all cases reported. However, the gradual elimination of asbestos in the United States and other first-world countries has reduced exposure to asbestos on the job. This has resulted in a shift in the number of cases, with non-occupational asbestos settlement exposure becoming more frequent.

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 exposure to secondhand asbestos like when a family member wears the clothing of an exposed asbestos worker. This kind of exposure can cause symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breathe that are often mistaken for heart conditions or lung diseases.

Certain studies have linked mesothelioma to non-occupational exposure, but the results are different. A majority of these studies were conducted on a limited sample size, and the between-study heterogeneity has been high. It is necessary to conduct additional research in order to confirm the connection between non-occupational asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.

People who have been exposed to non-occupational asbestos should discuss their asbestos lawyer history with their physician. They should have mesothelioma screening in the event of concerns, and ask for a referral to an expert. Specialists in mesothelioma can offer the most effective treatment and care to improve the patient's outlook. They will analyze medical records and perform imaging tests to identify mesothelioma. They will also offer advice on how to file a mesothelioma lawsuit to receive compensation from an asbestos trust fund.

Secondhand Exposure

While asbestos exposure is the main cause of mesothelioma, it's not the only reason to develop this disease. In fact, there's some 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 extremely small and can adhere to clothing, hair, skin and other surfaces. This means that workers can bring the dangerous fibers home with them on their work clothes and then transfer them to family members. These stray asbestos fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, which can lead to mesothelioma.

This form of mesothelioma is more prevalent in women, and usually occurs in the lungs. It can also affect the chest wall or abdomen. The breath shortness is the most common symptom. It may be associated with a range of other symptoms, like lung fluid and swelling in the scrotum.

The mesothelioma that occurs in the lungs is known as mesothelioma of the pleural region. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the term used for mesothelioma which affects the stomach wall or chest wall. A patient suffering from this type of mesothelioma might be afflicted by a variety such as abdominal pain, difficulty breathing and constipation.

A number of studies have shown that even those who have no prior previous history of exposure to asbestos can still develop mesothelioma due to exposure to asbestos through secondhand fibers. These individuals usually lived with someone who was exposed to asbestos. They could have handled the worker's clothing or had other contact with asbestos.

Veterans are at a greater risk of mesothelioma because asbestos was widely used in military bases, vehicles and ships. The Navy is especially at risk because asbestos claim was used to insulate the hull of the ship and to fireproof gun turrets. In addition, sailors frequently brought home asbestos from their jobs on ships that were contaminated by asbestos.

Environmental Exposure

A variety of materials have been linked to mesothelioma. However, the disease is usually linked to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was used for a variety of years in manufacturing. It is resistant to heat and tough, which makes it ideal for use in insulation, brakes, shingles flooring, and other products. When asbestos is broken down it produces dust that can be inhaled or swallowed. The asbestos fibers can stay in the lungs or stomach for years, and trigger mesothelioma symptoms.

The most frequently reported mesothelioma symptoms are breathing difficulties, abdominal pain and chest pain. Asbestos patients may suffer from these symptoms for 20 to 60 years or more after their first exposure. These symptoms could be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to see a doctor if you have these symptoms. It is also important to tell your doctor about your history with asbestos. This can prevent a wrong diagnosis and ensure that you receive the proper treatment.

Mesothelioma related to exposure to asbestos is the most common in people who worked directly with asbestos however, it can also affect the loved people who were exposed. This is referred to as secondary exposure. Family members can inhale or swallow asbestos fibers on the clothes of a worker's shoes, or other tools. They may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos by someone who brings home the particles on their clothing or hair. This is the reason mesothelioma sufferers and their families should always ensure that they wash their clothing properly after working around asbestos.

There is a substantial collection of studies that show a relationship between nonasbestos exposure and mesothelioma. However there is no conclusive evidence yet on the role of other agents. For instance there is evidence that the zeolites erionite as well as chrysotile can cause mesothelioma. Erionite is present in the soil and rocks from certain regions in Turkey where the incidence of pleural mesothelioma is high.

The research on the connection between mesothelioma and nonasbestos exposure is ongoing. Funnel plots suggest the possibility of publication bias and there is a large level of heterogeneity between studies. However, it's evident 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 the mesothelium grow uncontrollably and invade surrounding tissues. It can also spread through the body via the lymphatic or blood system, affecting other organs. Although asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, it is not the only risk factor. Other environmental and genetic factors can trigger the condition.

In some cases mesothelioma has been found in people who had no direct exposure to asbestos. These are referred to as non-occupational mesothelioma patients. They usually had an indirect exposure due to the handling of contaminated clothing or home items by an asbestos-exposed person in their home. For instance, it's possible for one to be diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma based on the inhalation of asbestos fibers from clothing belonging to a loved one. Studies show that these types of mesothelioma cases are more likely to have longer periods of latency and are more likely to be diagnosed in wives rather than husbands.

Scientists are examining the possibility that genetic predispositions to mesothelioma may play a role in the development. Recent studies have shown that the mutation of a gene called BAP1 could increase the risk of mesothelioma among those who are exposed to asbestos. This finding is important because it could lead to improved screening methods for those who are at a high risk of developing mesothelioma.

Researchers have identified a variety of genes that are associated with mesothelioma. Certain of these genes are involved in reducing the growth of tumors and are frequently mutated or altered in mesothelioma patients. These genes include the large homolog of tumor suppressor 2 (LATS2) and NF2.

A family history of the disease can increase the risk. This is due to the fact that certain genes, such as BAP1 BAP1, can be inherited from a parent. Asbestos was used heavily in the military for many years and veterans suffer from the highest rates of mesothelioma when compared to other occupational categories. People who were in the Navy and on ships were at risk the most due to extensive exposure to asbestos in fireproofing, insulation materials, and shipbuilding.