We all know Mesothelioma is an occupational disease caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. This is not an age-related disease. But as we age, those with higher exposure to asbestos should pay more attention to the possibility of progression of a mesothelioma cancer. Because in most cases, years (up to 60) will pass before mesothelioma develops in those who had been exposed to asbestos. This cancer is much more common in men over the age of 60 (largely attributed to the industrial exposures within male-dominated industries). Plus cases have been documented in children or other individuals with no asbestos history. Therefore other causes of mesothelioma should not be ignored.
Mesothelioma Causes Other Than Asbestos
Smoking
Those who smoke are at a higher risk of mesothelioma, though smoking is more commonly associated with traditional lung carcinomas. Smoking tends to enhance risk even further in those who were also exposed to asbestos.
Although smoking has not been associated with the development of mesothelioma, the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure could significantly increases a person’s risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. So any worker with higher exposure to asbestos should try every effort to quit smoking in order to delay or avoid the development of mesothelioma
Radiation
Mesothelioma has been reported to occur in few people following exposure to therapeutic radiation using thorium dioxide (Thorotrast).
While extremely rare, some mesothelioma patients attribute their diagnosis to exposure to radiation rather than exposure to asbestos. Radiation tends to transform and mutate cell growth patterns and is more commonly associated with brain and blood cancers.
Zeolite
Zeolite is a silicate mineral (chemically related to asbestos) commonly found in the soil of the Anatoli region of Turkey. A few cases of mesothelioma reported from this region may have been caused by zeolite.
Simian virus 40 (SV40)
The role of SV40 in the development of mesothelioma has also been suggested. This virus has been identified in human mesothelioma cells. In studies conducted in animals, it has been shown to induce the development of mesothelioma. However, further research is needed to confirm the link.
Carbon Nanotubes
Research is extremely preliminary in this study, but some laboratory studies indicate a molecular similarity between asbestos mineral fibers and carbon nanotubes. Tests indicate a pronounced risk of mesothelioma in some laboratory animals implanted with carbon nanotubes.
Mesothelioma Treatment And Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma patients are generally referred by their personal physicians to one of the many renowned mesothelioma doctors in the United States. These oncologists are well trained in this area and are the most familiar with cutting-edge mesothelioma treatment options and innovations.
In many cases, those individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma that have been known to be exposed to asbestos may be eligible for financial compensation from asbestos manufacturers for their illness. How to obtain compensation for asbestos-related health conditions like mesothelioma is beyond the scope of this short article. But we do emphasize the importance of incorporating the Early Warning Signs and Causes of Mesothelioma into your overall healthy aging plan.
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What You Need to Know about a Mesothelioma Law Suit, Mesothelioma Law and a Mesothelioma Law Firm
