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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

It can take years for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms typically don't show until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most common symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs which put people at risk chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors, lymph nodes, and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms could be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important 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 an individual isn't employed in one of these areas however, they may still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should consult a doctor. If they have a history of Asbestos Case exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos compensation exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen through work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles can be breathed in by people who are exposed to it. These particles can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos compensation, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. People in their 40s or 50s are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first exposure to asbestos settlement before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma as it damages the mesothelium. It can also make it more vulnerable. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Men are also more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothes. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to get a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be frightening. It is crucial to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or seen through the naked eye can be airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The pleura covers the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathlessness, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances, cancer can spread into the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on a combination of these methods. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated the disease.