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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a natural mineral, occurs naturally in the form of long, thin fibers. Workers who are exposed to asbestos regularly are at risk of developing mesothelioma or other types of lung diseases.

It could take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. Different asbestos types can cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

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

Exposure to asbestos case (you can find out more), a class of minerals made of microscopic fibers, typically causes this kind of cancer. These fibers, when inhaled cause irritation and DNA mutations. The pleura is the area that surrounds the chest cavity and lungs, so these irritations can affect both the lungs as well as a person's heart. Mesothelioma usually doesn't show symptoms until 30 to 50 year after exposure.

The most frequent symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients may also feel tightness in their chest and coughing, or breathing difficulties. Patients with this type of cancer typically have an history of exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Construction, manufacturing and shipbuilding are the most frequent occupations that put people at a high danger of developing pleural melanoma. People who have served in the military are at an especially high risk due to the frequent asbestos usage in Navy ships and bunkers used by the army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes, tumors, and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system used to treat the pleural cancer. The stage a patient is in upon diagnosis will aid their doctor in determining the most effective treatment plan for them. For instance, patients suffering from a pleural mesothelioma in stage three or four have a less favorable prognosis than patients with a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma may develop into the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This could make 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 is found in the peritoneum - an elongated membrane that covers the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the intestines and liver. Similar to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. Only 300-500 cases are diagnosed each year this is less than pleural asbestosis.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Typically, patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma could also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms could be misinterpreted as digestive issues which can lead to a misdiagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans are a way to identify mesothelioma. These tests can identify tumors as well as other signs of cancer that aren't visible on X-rays.

These test results enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatments. Staging is determined based on the type of cells and whether or the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in asbestos law-related occupations, like electrical or plumbing work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing, are more likely to contract the disease. Even if someone does not work in any of these areas they could still be exposed to asbestos through family members and other sources. Anyone who suspects that they may be at risk should speak with a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can help those who have a experience with asbestos to understand more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor in mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can occur due to work, military service or through living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, the particles are able to be inhaled into lungs and abdomen. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to form 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 age. The people in their 40s or 50s are more at chance of developing mesothelioma 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 remember that mesothelioma may develop in people who have been exposed to asbestos, but did not deal with it directly. This is known as secondary or indirect exposure to asbestos. It can be just as dangerous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the chance of mesothelioma since it damages mesothelium. It also makes it more susceptible. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses, including asbestosis and pneumonia. Men are more likely to develop mesothelioma compared to women. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for longer periods of time and to work with asbestos for longer durations and to work with it. Also, men are more likely to live with someone who worked with asbestos law and carry stray asbestos fibers home on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into contact with asbestos and don't typically carry asbestos around on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms are often similar to other conditions. This can result in patients being incorrectly diagnosed.

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform an examination of the body and take down a patient's medical history which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors may also request an CT scan or chest X-ray to look for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include an echocardiogram which examines the blood vessels and the heart as well as a magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test, which uses radio waves and magnets to make a series of detailed images of the inside of the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. During a surgical biopsy, doctors remove a small amount of tissue from the peritoneum or pleura to conduct further tests. A pathologist can then examine the tissue under a microscope to see if it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of the cells and the location the cancer, its type and the stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to spread or metastasize and spread, therefore it is essential to have a clear diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it becomes out of control.

Doctors may also conduct tests in the lab on tumors to determine specific genes, proteins or other factors that will help them identify cancer characteristics and plan treatment. These results are known as staging.

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis is a frightening prospect. It is important to keep in mind that cancer can be treated particularly in its early stages. Many mesothelioma patients live for many years with the disease without it spreading to other parts of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through a variety of ways. Asbestos fibers that are small enough to not be felt or seen with the naked eyes are able to become airborne and irritate the lining of the lung (pleura). In time irritation leads to formation of scar tissue, which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is a protective covering that covers the abdomen, heart, and lungs. Mesothelium is made up of cells that react when exposed to asbestos. They cause inflammation to the tissue and cause it to scar. As time passes, these changes lead to the development of malignant mesothelioma cancers.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are breathlessness and chest pain as well as an accumulation of fluid on the lungs (pleural effusion). In rare cases, the cancer can grow to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans show an area of concern in the lungs or stomach, a doctor will order biopsies. During the procedure, doctors remove tiny amounts of fluid or tumor for laboratory tests. The results will confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and determine the best treatment option.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use a combination of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials for new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial for patients. Patients can learn more by consulting a mesothelioma specialist who has treated mesothelioma.