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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the outer lung lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breath shortness and may also feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals composed of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers cling to the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People who suffer from this cancer usually have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs which put people at risk risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have worked in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most popular staging system for pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a worse prognosis compared to those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the chances of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and the liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This mesothelioma type can also cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

The results of these tests 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 cancer has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos in jobs, such as electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos legal (visit my homepage) through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to an expert. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These irritate the linings and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared 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 note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos settlement without having worked with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure. It can be just as harmful as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to men being more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma because its symptoms are frequently similar to other illnesses. Due to this, patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, that uses radio waves and magnets to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a magnifying lens to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell 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 have a higher risk of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to establish a clear diagnosis so doctors can treat it prior to it becoming out-of-control.

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

Treatment

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

Exposure to asbestos lawyer can cause mesothelioma in a number of ways. Asbestos fibers, which are tiny enough to be felt or seen by naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues that eventually result in tumors.

The pleura covers the heart and lungs and the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos and cause it to enflame and create scar tissue. These changes can result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If scans of imaging reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory analysis. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatment. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.