Why We Are In Love With Mesothelioma And Asbestos (And You Should Too!) > 자유게시판

Mesothelioma and asbestos case

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This type of cancer typically caused by exposure to asbestos, which is a grouping of minerals that are made up of microscopic fibres. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing, or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. Individuals who have served in the military are at a higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes, and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the best treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the likelihood of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity and organs such as the intestines and the liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take a long time to manifest. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may also cause nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an extensive medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other cancer signs which aren't evident on X-rays.

These test results allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma, identify the stage and recommend treatment options. The staging is determined by the cell type and whether or not the tumor has spread to other regions of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in manufacturing and construction, are more likely to develop the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. This is why anyone who believes they could be at risk should talk to an experienced doctor. If they have an history of exposure to asbestos, a mesothelioma specialist can assist them in finding out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or by living with a person who works with Asbestos Legal or used to do the same. When exposed to asbestos claim, particles can be inhaled into the lungs and abdomen. These particles can cause irritation to the linings and cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma may occur between 15 and 60 years.

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

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more prone to. In addition, mesothelioma may be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently for men than women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time 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 don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms often resemble other conditions. This is why patients are often wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform physical examinations and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request a CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart and magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MRI, test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura for further testing. A pathologist then examines the tissue under an magnifying glass to determine if it contains cancerous cell.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, the type, and the stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of metastasizing or spreading and it's crucial to determine the type of mesothelioma so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors can also run laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics and plan treatment. These results are called staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be frightening. It is important to keep in mind, however, that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma be afflicted for a long time without expanding.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). Over time, the irritation causes the formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. These changes can lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the reproductive organs as well as the heart.

A doctor will order biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible tumor in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of liquid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment plan.

There are a variety of mesothelioma treatment options, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.