The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Case Study You'll Never Forget > 자유게시판

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is found in long, thin fibres. People who are regularly exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases may not manifest for years after exposure to asbestos. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the outer lung lining (pleura). It is the most prevalent type of mesothelioma, making up 70% to 79% of all diagnosed cases. Patients with this disease experience pain in the chest and breathlessness and may also feel a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals comprised of microscopic fibers, usually causes this type of cancer. The fibers, when inhaled, cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura surrounds the lungs and chest cavity and therefore, these irritations could affect both the lungs as well as the heart of a person. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequent symptoms. Some patients may also experience chest tightness or coughing. They may also experience difficulty breathing. People with this cancer often have a history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most common jobs that expose people to the risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk because of the extensive asbestos use in Navy ships and army bunkers.

The most commonly used staging method for pleural mesothelioma is the TNM (tumor, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. For example, patients with a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than those in a lower stage. Mesothelioma in stage four is usually spread to the liver, diaphragm or even a person's heart. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Contrary to pleural cancer which is found in the lining of the lung it develops in the membrane that covers the abdominal cavity, which includes organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal msothelioma. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, the symptoms can take years to show. The majority of patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as an abdominal mass. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be mistaken for gastrointestinal problems and can lead to a mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and performing a physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to detect mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors, as well as other indications of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to identify mesothelioma, and determine the stage. They also offer treatment options. The stage is determined by the kind of cell and if the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos-containing professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if an individual is not employed in one of these areas, he or she can be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to an experienced doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure or mesothelioma, a specialist can assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the main risk factor in mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur through work, military service or by living with someone who works with asbestos or was previously exposed to doing so. Asbestos particles are inhaled by people who are exposed to asbestos. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take anywhere between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to Asbestos case.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and the advancing age. People in their 40s or 50s are at a higher chance of developing mesothelioma to those younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually takes 20 to 60 years from the first time of exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is also important to know that mesothelioma may develop in people who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as secondary or indirect asbestos case exposure and can be as dangerous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking can increase the likelihood of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more prone to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos attorney for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos case for longer periods of time. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who was exposed to asbestos and bring stray asbestos fibers home on their clothes. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to 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 notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors can also order a chest X-ray or CT scan to detect lumps and other abnormalities, and also to look for evidence of past asbestos exposure like pleural plaques (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the formation of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as the pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance image, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series of detailed images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is yet 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 testing. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a magnifying glass to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cell involved, the malignant or benign nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the cancer are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma have an increased chance of metastasizing or spreading, so it's important 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 to determine specific proteins, genes or other elements that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be a frightening prospect. It is important to remember, however, that cancer can be treated, particularly in its initial stages. Many people with mesothelioma can be afflicted for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lung's lining (pleura). In time the irritation can lead to the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The pleura surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium is composed of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation of the tissue and cause it to become scarred. These changes can eventually lead to malignant mesothelioma tumours.

Shortness of breath, chest pain or fluid accumulation on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural msothelioma. In rare cases the cancer may grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for lab tests. The results can confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate 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 new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can find out more by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated mesothelioma.