• 목록
• 답변
• 글쓰기
• 게시판 리스트 옵션
  • 수정
  • 삭제

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that causes scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This can make it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could cause confusion in diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an extensive health history and physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can show tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These test results enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cell and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

asbestos litigation exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in manufacturing and construction are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos litigation to asbestos through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos lawsuit, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos, and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Because of this, victims are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time, without spreading.

asbestos case (helpful site) exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.