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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos legal (recent post by Thatswhathappened) exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of heaviness.

This type of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos claim, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos claim in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which forms in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Patients typically experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This kind of mesothelioma can cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can lead to misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the cancer has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos attorney, the particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma may occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos compensation. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the heart and blood vessels as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. But, it is crucial to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.