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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos case [read more on Chmarket`s official blog]. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as pleura. It is the most prevalent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness and may experience an ache or heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military are at risk due to the widespread asbestos use in Navy vessels and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a worse prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the likelihood of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to pleural mesothelioma which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. 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 show. Patients generally have abdominal pain, and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a false diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, such as plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. However, even if individuals aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. For this reason, anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur due to military service, work or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos lawyer, the particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma may develop between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and aging. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. It takes mesothelioma 20-60 years to show signs of cancer after the first exposure. It is important to remember, too, that mesothelioma could develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure, and is as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium and makes it more susceptible to asbestos claim. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more common in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos litigation for a longer time and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos law home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to recognize mesothelioma due to its symptoms being frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are often misdiagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order an X-ray chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of asbestos settlement exposure in the past such as plaques in the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and the chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of precise images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another way for doctors to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are benign or malignant, and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have an increased risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it becomes out-of-control.

Doctors can also run tests in the lab on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements which can help them identify the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be an incredibly frightening prospect. However, it's important to remember that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma can live with the disease for many years without it spreading.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through various mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to exposure to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show a potential lung tumor or stomach. During the procedure, doctors take tiny amounts of tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.