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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

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

The symptoms of these diseases may not show up for decades after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining, also known as the pleura. It is the most prevalent mesothelioma that accounts for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and breath shortness, and they may feel the sensation of weight in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura surrounds both the chest cavity and the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also feel tightness in their chest, coughing or difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most prevalent jobs that put people at risk of pleural mesothelioma include manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at a higher risk because of the extensive asbestos usage in Navy vessels and bunkers for the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage the patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they should receive. For instance, patients who have mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a worse prognosis than those in lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even a person's heart. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In contrast to 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 intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. The disease is less common than pleural mesothelioma. There are just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms can take years to show. Patients usually suffer from abdominal pain and may also have a lump in their abdomen. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting 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 show tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They can also suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cell and whether or not the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have been in occupations that require asbestos compensation, such as plumbing manufacturing, electrical work, or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these areas they may be exposed to asbestos through relatives or other sources. Anyone who suspects that they're at risk should talk to a 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 is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen due to work, military service, or living with people who have worked with asbestos. When exposed to asbestos, small particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and can cause cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. After exposure to asbestos legal (visit the next page) mesothelioma can occur between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years after the initial exposure to asbestos before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos exposure and can be just as harmful as direct asbestos claim exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like pneumonia and asbestosis. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. This is due to men being more likely to work with asbestos settlement and have an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women tend to be less exposed to asbestos litigation, and don't typically carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being misdiagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to detect lumps or other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of previous asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram, which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test that uses magnets and radio waves to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is to perform the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the pleura or peritoneum for further analysis. A pathologist can examine the tissue under microscopes to determine if it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified based on the type of mesothelial cell involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign, and the location, type, and stage of the tumor. Some types of mesothelioma have greater risk of spreading or metastasizing and it's crucial to establish a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat it before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on tumors to determine particular proteins, genes, or other factors that can help them describe the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is an incredibly frightening prospect. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years without the disease spreading to other areas of their body.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or viewed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, irritating the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which can cause changes in the structure of cells which eventually lead to tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that covers the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to asbestos which causes it to become inflamed and develop scar tissue. Overtime, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

The signs of pleural mesothelioma can include shortness of breath, chest pain or the accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare instances the cancer may spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If scans of imaging reveal an underlying mass in the lungs or stomach the doctor will request a biopsies. The procedure involves the removal of a small amount of liquid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are several types of mesothelioma treatment, including chemotherapy, surgery and immunotherapy. The majority of doctors use the combination of these methods. Patients may also benefit from enrolling in a clinical trial of new mesothelioma therapies. Patients can learn more about the trials by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.