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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of developing pleural cancer are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who were in the military are at a greater risk due the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine what treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those with a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, which is found in the lung's lining the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may have a mass in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer which aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people aren't employed in these fields they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma expert can help those with a previous history of asbestos lawyer to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for as much as 80% of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of work, military service, or through living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos settlement mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 year.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is a possibility in people who have been exposed to asbestos case (visit the next website page) but did not engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be caused by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and work with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This could lead to patients being wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a patient's medical history, including asbestos litigation exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look 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 magnets and radio waves in order to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is a different way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of the cells, as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to develop metastasis or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it goes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes or other elements that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to see or feel by the naked eye can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissue, which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of small amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated mesothelioma.