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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other types of lung diseases.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as pleura. It is the most common form of mesothelioma and accounts for 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heavyness.

This type of cancer typically caused through exposure to asbestos compensation, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation which causes scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and army bunkers.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or four will suffer a more negative outlook than those who are in a less advanced stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can develop into the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural cancer, that develops in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, including organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually this is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. The majority of patients suffer from abdominal pain and an abdominal mass. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma by conducting an exhaustive health history and physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

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

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, like plumbing electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos settlement through family members or other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have any history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos legal - try Gbpl, can happen due to work, military service or by living with a person who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. These particles can cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the first time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos lawsuit. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos compensation and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are often mistakenly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of asbestos exposure. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened 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 that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is by performing a surgical biopsy. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether the cells are malignant or benign and also the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on a tumor to find 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 mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, especially at its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma by a variety of mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues, which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and create scar tissue. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs are all indications of the pleural Msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. During the procedure, doctors will remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the disease.