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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos legal on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

The symptoms of these diseases might not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type and accounts for 70% to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain and breath shortness. Patients may also experience coughing, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are among the most frequent occupations that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military may be at risk because of the extensive use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The most common staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients with pleural mesothelioma that is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis than those who are in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the liver, diaphragm or even the heart of a patient. This could make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos is the reason for peritoneal msothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that are not visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the cell type and whether or not the cancer has spread to other regions of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs which require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if someone isn't employed in one of these areas they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have had a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma accounting for up to 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos lawsuit.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. It takes mesothelioma between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to note that mesothelioma could occur in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure, and is just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period 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 been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray in order to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of asbestos case (click here.) 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, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to create precise images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through an operation called a biopsy. During a surgery biopsy, doctors remove a tiny part of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cells involved and the benign or malignant nature of those cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma are at an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes or other elements that can aid in describing cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be terrifying. However, it is important to remember that the disease is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for a long time without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to exposure to asbestos attorney, causing it to inflame and form scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

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

If imaging scans reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have had experience treating the disease.