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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a natural mineral that is made up of long, thin fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos on a regular basis are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

This kind of cancer is often caused through exposure to asbestos, which is a collection of minerals that are comprised of microscopic fibres. These fibers, when inhaled can cause irritation and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity and the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma typically doesn't manifest until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural melanoma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients have coughing problems, trouble breathing, or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most common occupations that put people at a high risk of developing pleural mesothelioma. People who were in the military are at higher risk due to the frequent use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers for the Army.

The most popular staging system for pleural mysothelioma has been the TNM (tumor lymph nodes, lymph nodes and metastases) staging system. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from mesothelioma pleural stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with lower stages. Stage four mesothelioma may be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes the cancer more difficult to treat and increase the chances of complications for patients.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum -- it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural asbestosis, symptoms can take a long time to show. Patients typically suffer from abdominal pain and could also experience a mass in their abdomen. The symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma may also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. A lot of these symptoms can be misinterpreted as gastrointestinal issues, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Typically, doctors can identify mesothelioma through a thorough medical history and physical exam. Imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans are a way to detect mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

The results of these tests allow doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and establish the stage. They also offer treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or not the tumor has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the most important risk factor. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, electrical work or construction, are at increased risk of developing the disease. Even if a person is not employed in any of these areas however, they may be exposed to asbestos claim through family members or other sources. Anyone who thinks they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will assist them in learning more about the risk.

Risk Factors

asbestos litigation exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma, making up as much as 80 percent of all cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos attorney or was previously exposed to doing the same. When exposed to asbestos, small particles can be breathed into the lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Following exposure to asbestos 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 be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma usually occurs between 20 and 60 years from the initial time of exposure before cancer symptoms appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but without having directly worked with it. This is known as indirect or secondary asbestos exposure and can be as hazardous as direct asbestos exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of mesothelioma, since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Additionally, mesothelioma can be worsened by certain diseases like 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 be exposed to asbestos and endure a more exposure than women. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who has had asbestos exposure and bring asbestos fibers from their workplace on their clothes. Women are less likely to come in contact with asbestos case (Ongoing), and they are less likely to carry asbestos on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because the symptoms often resemble 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 notes on the medical history of a patient including asbestos exposure. Doctors will also order an CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include plaques on the pleura, pleura that are thickened and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which makes use of radio waves and magnets in order to create a series of detailed images of the insides of the body. Another way doctors can diagnose mesothelioma is through the procedure of a surgical biopsy. During a surgical biopsy, doctors take a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it contains cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells as well as the location, type and stage of the tumour, are used to classify the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize, so it is important to get a definite diagnosis so doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A diagnosis of mesothelioma may be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer is treatable, particularly in its earlier stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for years with the disease, without spreading to other areas of their body.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos particles, which are too small to detect or feel by the naked eye can become airborne and cause irritation to the lining of the lungs (pleura). As time passes irritation leads to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure that can eventually grow into tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that surrounds the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium is made up of cells that respond when exposed to asbestos. They inflame the tissue and cause it to become scarred. In time, these changes can cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include breathlessness and chest pain, or the accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare instances cancer can spread to the tissues that surround the reproductive organs and the heart.

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the stomach or lungs the doctor will request a biopsies. During the procedure, doctors take small amounts of the fluid or tumor for laboratory testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and help determine the best treatment plan.

There are many types of mesothelioma treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. Most doctors utilize a combination of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments may be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should speak with mesothelioma specialists who have experience treating the condition.