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

Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos fibers leads to chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium and causes DNA changes.

The chance of developing malignant mesothelioma rises proportionally to cumulative exposure, and to the third or fourth power since first exposure. Symptoms can appear between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells that surround the body's tissues, also known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium lining protects organs as well as other tissues by lubricating them so that they slide against each other with ease. Malignant mesothelioma may spread to different areas of the body and affect the heart, lungs and abdomen. Other symptoms include chest pain and fatigue.

It can take up to 50 years for the symptoms of mesothelioma to manifest. This makes it difficult to identify by medical professionals. It is also possible to confuse with other diseases like pneumonia or the flu.

Patients may experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties, persistent coughing and chest pain or change in the form of the fingers and nails which is known as clubbing. Patients with mesothelioma can also experience a fluid accumulation in the chest (peritoneal) or belly. This condition is known as a pleural effusion.

Contrary to lung cancer, mesothelioma cannot be detected through imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans until the cancer has progressed for several years. Doctors are required to conduct an examination to confirm a mesothelioma diagnose. This can be done by bronchoscopy or a needle biopsy.

These diagnostic procedures help doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and decide the best treatment option for patients. Doctors can review a patient’s asbestos exposure history to determine if he or has a chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses.

The greatest risk is for people exposed to asbestos at their workplaces. Those in the construction, shipbuilding and other blue-collar jobs and veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at high risk. People who live in areas with asbestos litigation-contaminated workers may also be at risk of mesothelioma. This is especially true if the worker has asbestos fibers on their clothing.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having mesothelioma can benefit from visiting their family doctor regularly to have a checkup and discussing any health concerns that are related to asbestos. This is crucial because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other illnesses such as asbestosis.

Diagnosis

Early signs of mesothelioma can look like flu, pneumonia or intestinal issues. The long latency period of the disease means that patients could suffer from symptoms for as long as 10 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. The fact that it is similar to other diseases can make it difficult to diagnose. The location of the body part affected can also affect the symptoms.

The first step is to see an primary care physician or other physician who can assist in determining the root of the symptoms. They will ask for your medical history, and then look for any indication that asbestos exposure has been mentioned. They will also conduct an examination and run basic tests such as blood work or X rays.

A biopsy may be required to confirm a diagnosis according to the type of mesothelioma. A biopsy is carried out by inserting a needle in the abdomen or chest and then taking a small amount. The tissue is then studied to determine if it contains cancerous mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cancer cells can be epithelioid or sarcomatoid, and both types are malignant. 70% of all mesothelioma is epithelioid, and the rest is sarcomatoid.

After a mesothelioma biopsied procedure has been done, doctors can create an action plan. They will refer the patient to an expert for advice on the best treatment option for their condition.

Mesothelioma can be caused by the exposure to asbestos settlement fibers that are microscopic. Asbestos is a class of minerals that look like small thin fibers. These fibers are found in rock and soil and are typically released into the air during construction, mining and other activities. Inhaled fibers can cause inflammation of the lung. Over time, this can cause scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The cancer usually occurs in the lung. However, it may also develop in the linings of the stomach (peritoneal pericardial) or in the testicles.

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which is abnormal growth of cells that infiltrate nearby tissues and organs. Cancerous cells can also spread to other areas of the body via the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

The treatment options for mesothelioma differ according to the type of cancer and the location. Today, doctors utilize chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. It helps to decrease swelling and pain caused by mesothelioma and eliminate cancerous cells.

Asbestos exposure can cause asbestosis, a condition that is not cancerous that results in scarring of the lungs and other body parts. It may also lead to mesothelioma, a more serious type of asbestos case disease which is typically fatal. Mesothelioma is a virulent cancer that is most often found in the lungs and abdomen. The symptoms include breathing problems, chest pain, and coughing. Mesothelioma is diagnosed with X-rays as well as CT scans. The images that result highlight areas of greater density that could indicate either scar tissue or a tumor mass. Doctors may perform an bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the distinction.

A bronchoscopy is performed by inserting a thin flexible tube into the respiratory passages in order to see the tissue and then collect samples to test. A needle biopsy involves injecting liquid into the area in order to remove the tissue for testing. Both procedures are painful, however they can help doctors identify asbestosis or mesothelioma.

The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to other diseases, and can develop up to 50 years after initial exposure. It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the delay that occurs between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. Many people are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses like flu or pneumonia.

While scientists aren't the moment what causes mesothelioma they do understand that exposure to asbestos can increase the risk. Asbestos exposure can be a result of working in industries like manufacturing, asbestos mining and construction. Additionally, asbestos-containing materials are often carried by workers to homes and other workplaces where the fibers are ingested or inhaled. Amphibole asbestos fibers and snakeine asbestos are the most common kinds of asbestos found in mesothelioma. The serpentine type of asbestos is less cancerous than the amphibole type, however both are capable of causing illness.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue that lines internal organs. It is usually caused by asbestos litigation exposure, an amalgamation of minerals that is resistant to heat and sturdy. It is believed that asbestos case fibres are absorbed into the lungs, and cause irritation to the membranes and then cause cancer. In time the irritation could cause genetic mutations that result in the growth of tumours.

Exposure to asbestos can occur in many ways, such as mining, manufacturing, repairing or cleaning up asbestos products. It is also possible to be exposed in a person's home life by washing or putting on clothes that contain asbestos. Certain people are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma because of their relatives' history of the disease, or they have an increased risk due to other factors such as genetics.

Mesothelioma patients can exhibit various symptoms that are frequently similar to other ailments. This can make it difficult for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma in the early stages. It is essential for people who have been exposed to asbestos to disclose their history with their physician and request regular check-ups.

The majority of cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure at work. Studies have proven that exposure to asbestos can also cause mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that asbestos dust can move from the workplace to other places where people reside. People who live within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant are at greater risk of mesothelioma.

Before developing mesothelioma, some people develop asbestosis. Asbestosis can cause the lungs to thicken and make it difficult for people to breathe. This condition can make people need oxygen at home, and they may have to undergo lung surgeries such as the lung lobectomy.

Some people with mesothelioma also receive treatment for their symptoms. They may be given medications to aid in breathing or take part in clinical trials for new treatments. Early detection and treatment for mesothelioma may improve the chances of survival. Some patients who have undergone multiple rounds of surgery and chemotherapy have been able extend their lives up to 10 years.