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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the lung's outer lining (pleura). It is the most common form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a group of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this kind of cancer. Once inhaled, the fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most commonly reported symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Patients with this type of cancer typically have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that expose workers to the risk of pleural mesothelioma include construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Individuals who have been in the military are at risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The most common staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or four will have a less favorable outlook than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make it more difficult to treat and raises the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year, which is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to manifest. Patients generally experience abdominal pain, and may also have a lump in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma can also include nausea or weight loss, as well as fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive issues, which could result in incorrect diagnosis.

Generally, doctors can find mesothelioma after an exhaustive health history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way 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 enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

Asbestos exposure is the biggest risk factor. People who have worked in professions which require asbestos, like plumbing or manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they do not work in these fields they could be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they may be at risk should consult a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those with a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the most significant risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to military service, work, or living with someone who used to work with asbestos (oddershede-vinson.thoughtlanes.net). When exposed to asbestos, particles can be breathed into the abdomen and lungs. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and cause cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma is likely to be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years old.

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. It is because mesothelioma generally occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos but didn't engage directly with it. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos law and it is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma since it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. Furthermore, mesothelioma is caused by certain illnesses, such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note 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 asbestos for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos and carry asbestos fibers that have escaped home on their clothing. Women are less likely to be exposed to asbestos, and they are less likely to carry asbestos lawsuit on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform an examination of the body and document the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray 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 an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart, and a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method for doctors to identify mesothelioma. A surgical biopsy is when doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum to conduct further tests. A pathologist is then able to examine the tissue with microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved, the malignant or benign nature of those cells as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. 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 becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors in order to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, especially in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma can endure the disease for a long time without expanding.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma in many ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to see or feel with the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). Over time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the lungs and the heart and also the abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react to asbestos litigation which causes it to become inflamed and create scar tissue. In time, these changes can lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

A shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

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

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize the combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma treatments. To learn more about the trials, patients should consult mesothelioma specialists who have expertise in treating the condition.