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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos are at risk of developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

Symptoms of these diseases may not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the outer lung lining, or pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, shortness of breathe, and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to asbestos, a family 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 causes 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 and a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and coughing, or breathing difficulties. People with this cancer often have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military may be at risk due to the frequent asbestos legal use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

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

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually experience abdominal pain, and may have a mass in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive problems, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after a thorough health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other indications of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, like plumbing manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should consult a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos compensation can happen due to military service, work or living with someone who used to work with asbestos case. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and can cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma to those who are younger or older. Mesothelioma can take between 20 and 60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to keep in mind that mesothelioma can occur in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having worked with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain diseases, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and have more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has was exposed to asbestos and bring asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry Asbestos Legal on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma since its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. 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, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another way for doctors to detect mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further testing. A pathologist can look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos law may cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or observed by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer 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 eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors employ the combination of these treatments. Patients could also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.