솔지에로펜션(소나무숲길로)

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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a mineral that naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos on a regular basis risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lung's outer lining also known as pleura. It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up between 70 and 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition experience pain in the chest and shortness of breath and may experience the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals made of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura covers the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs and the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and breath shortness. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a history of disease that includes asbestos exposure at work. The most common jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The most popular staging system for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the liver, diaphragm and/or a person's heart. This could make 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 forms in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea, weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, which can cause incorrect diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma through an extensive medical history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the tumor has spread.

The most important risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations which require asbestos, like plumbing, electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at greater risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they are at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos litigation may occur due to work, military service, or by living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or has previously done so. asbestos lawsuit particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely get mesothelioma than people younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years after the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in those who were exposed to asbestos but didn't deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure. It can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be caused by certain illnesses, such as pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to note that mesothelioma is more prevalent for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who worked with asbestos and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos home on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in identifying mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take down a 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 asbestos exposure. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of magnets and radio waves in order to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further analysis. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with an magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign, 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, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis to ensure that doctors are able to treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors can also run tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine specific proteins, genes and other factors that help them understand the characteristics of cancer and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for a long time without the disease spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos claim may cause mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, which are too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). As time passes, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos case and cause it to enflame and form scar tissue. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or a buildup of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will order biopsy if scans show a potential tumor in the lungs or stomach. The procedure involves the removal of some of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors rely on an amalgamation of these techniques. Patients may also benefit from taking part in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatment. To find out more, patients should speak to a mesothelioma specialist who has had experience treating the disease.