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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, naturally occurs in the form of long, thin fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos may develop lung diseases like mesothelioma.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the outer lung liner (pleura). It is the most prevalent mesothelioma form and is responsible for 70 to 79% all diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heavyness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Chest pain and shortness breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People with this cancer have a past that includes asbestos exposure at work. Manufacturing, construction, and shipbuilding are the most common jobs that put people at a high chance of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who served in the military are at higher risk due to the extensive use asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most common staging system used to treat pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that a patient is at when they are diagnosed will assist their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative outlook than those in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart or diaphragm. This can make the cancer more difficult to treat, and increase the risk of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum -- a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs like the intestines and the liver. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed annually this is less than the pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis symptoms can take several years to manifest. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea, weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can lead to confusion in diagnosis.

Generally speaking, doctors can detect mesothelioma after an extensive health history and physical exam. They can also utilize imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to help find 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 and recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell and whether the tumor has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma-related risk factor is asbestos exposure. People who have worked in asbestos-containing jobs, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. Even if an individual does not work in any of these areas, he or she can still be exposed through family members and other sources. Anyone who thinks they're at risk should speak with an expert. A mesothelioma expert can help those who have a previous history of asbestos to find out more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for mesothelioma which accounts for as much as 80 percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or through living with a person who is exposed to asbestos or was previously exposed to doing such. Asbestos particles are inhaled by those who are exposed to it. They can cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen and trigger cancerous cells to form in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma can take between 15 and 60 years to develop after exposure to asbestos.

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

Smoking increases a person's chances of developing mesothelioma since it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more susceptible to asbestos. Additionally, mesothelioma can be exacerbated by certain illnesses like asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to note that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who has worked with asbestos and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women tend to have less exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos settlement case (shop.jarara.Kr) around on their clothing.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes mistakenly diagnosed.

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

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves to create a series detailed images of inside the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. During a surgery biopsy doctors take a tiny piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be further examined. A pathologist can then examine the tissue with a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

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

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins, or other factors which can aid in describing cancer characteristics and determine the best treatment. These results are referred to as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnose can be terrifying. It is important to remember that cancer can be treated especially at its early stages. A lot of people suffering from mesothelioma endure the disease for many years without it spreading.

Exposure to asbestos can trigger mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers, too small to be able to see or feel through the naked eye, can be airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which causes changes in the structure of cells that can eventually grow into tumors.

The Pleura is a protective layer that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathing problems, chest pain or an accumulation of fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). In rare cases, cancer can spread into the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

A doctor may request a biopsy if imaging scans show the possibility of a mass in the lungs or stomach. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove a small amount of fluid or tumor for tests in the laboratory. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma, and also determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma, including surgery and chemotherapy. The majority of doctors employ a combination of these treatments. Patients can also benefit by participating in a clinical study of new mesothelioma treatments. Patients can learn more about the trials by speaking with a mesothelioma doctor who has treated the condition.