This Is The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You'll Never Forget > 자유게시판

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that comes in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other types of lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma type, accounting for up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of weightiness.

Exposure to Asbestos case, 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 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.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural cancer are construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The most commonly used staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma that is pleural in stage three or four have a poorer prognosis than those with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma is often spread to the diaphragm, the liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer that develops in the lining of the lung it develops in a membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, including organs like the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as digestive issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos legal through relatives or other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos lawsuit to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It accounts for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur as a result of military service, work, or living with those who worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos legal, particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years old.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma typically lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to note that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not work with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos and it can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos and experience a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination and write down a patient's medical history, including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order a CT scan or chest X-ray in order 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 a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to produce a series of precise images of the inside of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform a surgical biopsy. In a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be tested further. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying lens to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and also the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the tumor. Certain mesothelioma types have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing therefore it is essential to establish a clear diagnosis to ensure that the doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also perform laboratory tests on tumors to identify specific proteins, genes, or other factors which can help them describe cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, which are small enough to not be felt or seen by naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is composed of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. Overtime, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems and chest pain, or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may be spread to the tissues around the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor may request biopsy if imaging scans show a potential mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatment options, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use a combination of these methods. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.