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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma as well as other lung diseases of different types.

It can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. Different types of asbestos can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lung's outer liner (pleura). It is the most common type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest pain, breath shortness and a feeling of heavyness.

This kind of cancer is typically caused through exposure to asbestos case, which is a collection of minerals composed of microscopic fibers. Once inhaled, the fibers are absorbed into the lungs and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms usually don't appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Patients may also suffer from chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. Patients with this type of cancer have a history that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who have served in the military may be at an especially high risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy ships and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at at diagnosis will help their doctor determine the best treatment plan for them. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four can be spread to the heart, liver or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung the peritoneal cancer is a result of a membrane that surrounds the abdominal cavity, which includes organs such as the liver and intestines. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year which is lower than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as a mass in the abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems, leading to a false diagnosis.

The doctors can detect mesothelioma through examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, even if people do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who believes they could be at risk should speak to a doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the lungs, causing cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos legal.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s and 50s are at a higher risk of developing mesothelioma compared to people who are younger or more. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to note that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't work with it directly. This is called secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos case. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to remember 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 to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos law and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos and they are less likely to bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other diseases. This can result in patients being misdiagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to check for lumps or other abnormalities, as well as evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the accumulation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance scan or MRI test, that uses magnets and radio waves to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine if it is a cancerous cell.

The type of mesothelial cell involved and the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location and stage of the tumour, are used to categorize the disease. Certain types of mesothelioma may be more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to establish a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for a long time without spreading.

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

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. These changes eventually result in malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases cancer may spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and heart.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the stomach or lungs, a doctor will order a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for lab tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the best treatment option.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize combinations of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma therapies. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have had experience treating the disease.