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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

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 is a type of cancer that occurs in the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest pain, shortness of breathe and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lung's lining it develops in a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in professions, such as electrical or plumbing work or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if a person does not work in any of these areas however, they may still be exposed through family members and other sources. This is why anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a history with asbestos lawsuit to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos case.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind, too, that mesothelioma may be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos attorney. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, as it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less in contact with asbestos, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This is why patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether the cells are benign or malignant and also the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which causes changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can cause mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathing problems and chest pain as well as a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab analysis. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the condition.