Mesothelioma Information
Information about mesothelioma is available almost anywhere so, while we do provide some basic information about mesothelioma, we focus mainly on helping you locate an attorney near you that can help with your case. Find a mesothelioma asbestos attorney in your state.
Mesothelioma - Causes and Risk Factors
Most people who have mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the thin layer of cells in the lining of internal organs, have abnormal cells in the mesothelium that divide without control. The mesothelium is the lining, composing of two layers, that acts as a lubricant between internal organs to facilitate gliding movement against nearby structures. The abnormal cells can metastasize and invade adjacent organs and tissues. Most often the development starts in the pleural space or peritoneum which is a result of build-up of asbestos usually upon inhalation.
Exposure to Asbestos is the Major Factor
Exposure to asbestos materials is the major risk factor of mesothelioma. A working environment with high frequency of dealing with asbestos causes 70 to 80 percent of mesothelioma cases. These industries with notable numbers of cases were early 20th century military service, mining (primarily coal mining), asbestos cement industry, metal products manufacturing, electronic equipment manufacturing, coal-fired power plants and industrial machinery manufacturing. It is also to be noted that there are known cases not associated to asbestos but with other known causes such as irradiation from a chemical called thorium dioxide and inhalation of other fibrous silicates such as zeolite. Some studies show that SV40 (simian virus 40) acts as a cofactor in developing mesothelioma.
The asbestos, with naturally occurring masses of strong flexible fibers that can be woven, was widely used in large industries due to its heat and fire resistant properties. The particles and dust, during the manufacturing process that float in the air, may be inhaled or swallowed. The fibers would make their way into the lining of the lungs called the pleura and a probable cause of peritoneal mesothelioma as well. When the pleura is irritated by the fibers, it may stimulate changes or mutations to the normal cells to become cancerous.
Thorotrast - Thorium Dioxide
In the 1950s, some x-ray tests involved the use of Thorotrast, commonly called thorium dioxide. Though the use of this substance has been discontinued after the discovery of its effects, it still has direct linked to cause pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. It may, however, increase the risk of mesothelioma as shown in people that used radiotherapy as treatment for a previous cancer. Certain studies show that this causes no increased risk but if it does there is near remote probability that it does.
A Lesser Known Connection - Zeolite Mineral
In Turkey, a zeolite mineral with similar properties to asbestos is known as erionite that is linked to cause mesothelioma. It is also known to be responsible for 50% of the deaths in three villages in the Anatola region of Turkey. This naturally occurring substance is abundant in the soil in that area, linking high cases of mesothelioma in populations living near erionite rich soils. Further medical investigations revealed that a person with genetic predisposition, specifically a loss of chromosome 9a, is induced by erionite causing a family clustering of mesothelioma.
SV40 is a cancerous virus both found in monkeys and humans. It is known to be a co-carcinogen that has the potential to cause tumors. It was controversial subject in 1960s when millions of individuals were exposed to the virus after SV40 was found to contaminate polio vaccines.
Family Members of Worker Exposed to Asbestos
Mesothelioma and other asbestos related disease, unfortunately, are also prevalent with members of the family of a person working exposed to asbestos. Asbestos dust may be unwillingly brought home through clothing and hair of these workers. This could lead to dangerously exposing one’s children and other family members.
See more information about asbestos.
See the list of mesothelioma asbestos attorneys by state.
Resources
U.S National Institutes of Health, Mesothelioma: Question and Answers, www.cancer.gov, 13 May 2002
Cancer Research UK, Mesothelioma Risks and Causes, www.cancerhelp.org.uk, 23 Jun 2010
Latest Cancer News, Genetic Predisposition for Blood Cancers Confirmed, www. topcancernews.com 2010
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Frequently Asked Questions about Cancer, Simian Virus 40 (SV40), and Polio Vaccine, www.cdc.gov, 22 October 2007