자유게시판

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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos litigation can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is often caused by exposure to asbestos which is a grouping of minerals that are composed of microscopic fibers. When inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer typically have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. This mesothelioma type can cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual does not work in one of these fields however, they may be exposed to asbestos to asbestos through family members and other sources. For this reason, anyone who is concerned that they might be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those with a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos law exposure is the main mesothelioma risk factor, accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos case (published on Ecommk) may occur due to work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or has previously done so. When exposed to asbestos compensation, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years before it manifests cancer symptoms after the first exposure. It is important to remember that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to have worked with asbestos for longer durations and to 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 tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos 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 incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background, including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past like plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is yet another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to identify specific genes, proteins and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be frightening. However, it's important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne, irritating the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. These changes can eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases cancer can spread to the tissues around the reproductive organs and heart.

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts 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 mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these methods. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak to mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.