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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are regularly exposed to asbestos attorney may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

It may take decades before symptoms begin to manifest after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining or pleura. It is the most frequent mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70 to 79% of all diagnosed cases. People with this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

This kind of cancer is usually caused by exposure to asbestos which is a cluster of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibers stick inside the lung and cause irritation which leads to scarring and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs This means that these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may also experience difficulty breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding are the most prevalent jobs that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and Army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis can help determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis compared to those who are in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the diaphragm, liver and/or a person's heart. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take several years to show. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma may cause nausea, weight loss, and fever. A lot of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by gastrointestinal issues, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can identify mesothelioma by reviewing the medical history of the patient and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans can be used to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other symptoms of cancer that aren't apparent on an X-ray.

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

The most important mesothelioma risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in professions that require asbestos law, like plumbing or electrical work, manufacturing or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if an individual isn't employed in one of these fields, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should talk to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have had a experience with asbestos to understand 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 lawsuit can occur through work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos claim or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by those who are exposed to asbestos. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow 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 aging. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at risk of developing mesothelioma as compared to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years after the initial time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma can develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos without having directly worked with it. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium and makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma can also be aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in men than women. This is because men are more likely to work with asbestos and have a longer period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had worked with asbestos case (helpful resources), and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less contact with asbestos and rarely carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being wrongly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical history including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for abnormalities, lumps and evidence of exposure to asbestos law. These include plaques in the pleura, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image or MRI test, which uses radio waves and magnets to create a series detailed images of the insides of the body. A surgical biopsy is a different method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. In a surgical biopsy doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist will then look at the tissue using a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma is classified according to the type of mesothelial cells involved, whether these cells are malignant or benign and the location of the tumor, its type, and the stage of the cancer. Certain types of mesothelioma are at greater chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important to get a definitive diagnosis so doctors can treat it before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the laboratory on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes and other factors which can help them identify the characteristics of the cancer and determine a treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is terrifying. It is crucial to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other organs of their body.

Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma by various mechanisms. Asbestos fibres, small enough to not be felt or observed through the naked eye can be airborne, causing irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue, which can cause changes in the cell structure that eventually develop into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

A shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all indications of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

A doctor will request biopsy if imaging scans reveal a possible lung tumor or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial to patients. To learn more, patients should speak with mesothelioma experts who have expertise in treating the condition.