Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos: The Intermediate Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos > 자유게시판

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

It may take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that occurs in the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. This condition causes chest discomfort, shortness of breath and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, typically causes this type of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lungs and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most frequent jobs that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. Individuals who have served in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most popular staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient has at diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum - it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and only about 300-500 cases diagnosed each year.

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

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find mesothelioma. These tests can reveal cancerous tumors or other signs of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage and suggest treatment options. The stage of the disease is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that involve asbestos, like plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos litigation exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos compensation can happen through work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, the particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include genetics, smoking and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. 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 could be present in those who have been exposed to asbestos claim, but without having been directly exposed to it. This is known as secondary or indirect asbestos compensation exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer time and to have worked with asbestos for longer periods of time. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos, and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come exposed to asbestos, and don't typically bring asbestos legal home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. Due to this, patients are sometimes misdiagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI test that uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the interior of the body. Another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma is to perform an operation called a biopsy. In a surgical biopsy doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be examined further. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

The mesothelial type involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells and the location and stage of the cancer are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have a higher chance of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out-of-control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins and other factors 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 a frightening prospect. However, it is important to remember that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for a long time with the disease without it spreading to other areas of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos particles, which are too small to be able to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time, the irritation leads to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. The majority of doctors use an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the disease.