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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos litigation are at risk of developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that affects the lung's outer the lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease feel chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This type of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common occupations which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military could be at an especially high risk due to the widespread asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should receive. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos claim exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and around 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive health history and physical examination. They can also use imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatments. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or whether the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos compensation, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if someone is not employed in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, particles are able to be inhaled into abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more common in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and rarely carry asbestos compensation - More Bonuses - on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also request an X-ray chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells, as well as the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins or other elements that help them understand the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or viewed by naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a tumor in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ combinations of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more, patients should consult mesothelioma experts who have experience treating the condition.