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

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos, a mineral that naturally forms in the form of thin, long fibers. People who are exposed to asbestos risk developing lung diseases, such as mesothelioma.

The symptoms of these diseases might not be evident for a long time after exposure to asbestos case (Read Woodsrunners). Different asbestos types may cause different symptoms.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lung's outer lining also known as the pleura. It is the most frequent form of mesothelioma and is responsible for 70 to 79% of diagnosed cases. The condition can cause chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and a feeling of heaviness.

Exposure to asbestos, a class of minerals composed of microscopic fibers causes this kind of cancer. When inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that leads to scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura is the lining of both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, and so irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma is usually not symptomatic until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

Shortness of breath and chest pain are the most frequent symptoms. Patients may have coughing problems, trouble breathing or chest tightness. People who suffer from this cancer usually have previous exposure to asbestos in the workplace. The most frequent jobs that put people at risk of developing pleural mesothelioma are manufacturing, construction and shipbuilding. People who served in the military are at greater risk due the extensive use asbestos compensation in Navy vessels and bunkers in the Army.

The TNM (tumors lymph nodes and metastases staging system) is the most commonly used staging system for the pleural adenocarcinoma. The stage that the patient is in at the moment of diagnosis will determine the treatment plan they will receive. Patients who have pleural mesothelioma which is in stage three or stage four will have a less favorable prognosis compared to those who are in a less advanced stage. Stage four mesothelioma often spreads to the diaphragm, liver or even the heart of a patient. This makes it more difficult to treat and increase the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

As opposed to pleural mesothelioma that is a lung-lining cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and organs like the intestines and liver. As with pleural mesothelioma asbestos exposure is the primary reason for peritoneal msothelioma. There are only 300-500 cases diagnosed annually, which is less than pleural asbestosis.

As with pleural mesothelioma symptoms may take years to appear. The majority of patients experience abdominal pain and a mass in the abdomen. The symptoms of this type of mesothelioma may 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 mistaken diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by examining the patient's medical history and conducting a physical exam. Imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans can be used to identify mesothelioma. These tests can reveal tumors and other signs of cancer that are not evident on X-rays.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage of the disease and suggest treatment options. The staging is determined by the type of cells and whether or the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. People who have been exposed to asbestos legal in professions, such as plumbing or electrical work, or in construction, manufacturing and manufacturing are more likely to develop the disease. However, even if people do not work in these areas, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or through other sources. Therefore, anyone who suspects they may be at risk should speak to a doctor. A mesothelioma specialist can assist those who have a history with asbestos to learn more about their risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It is responsible for as much as 80percent of cases. Exposure to asbestos can happen as a result of work, military service or by living with someone who is exposed to asbestos or used to do so. Asbestos particles can be inhaled by people who are exposed to it. The particles cause irritation to the linings, causing cancerous cells to grow in the mesothelium. Mesothelioma may take between 15 and 60 years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma compared to those who are younger or more senior. This is because mesothelioma typically takes 20 to 60 years from the first exposure before the first signs of cancer appear. It is important to note, too, that mesothelioma may develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos without having worked with it directly. This is called indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos. It is just as harmful as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of developing mesothelioma due to the fact that it causes mesothelium damage and makes it more prone to asbestos. In addition, mesothelioma may be worsened by certain diseases like pneumonia and asbestosis. It is also important to know that mesothelioma is more prevalent in males than females. Men are more likely than women to have been exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time and work with it. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who been exposed to asbestos, and to carry asbestos fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to come into exposure to asbestos and do not typically carry asbestos on their clothing.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose mesothelioma due to its symptoms being often similar to other conditions. This is why patients are sometimes wrongly diagnosed.

The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is for NYU Langone doctors to perform a physical exam and take note of the medical history of the patient which includes asbestos exposure. Doctors will also recommend a CT scan or chest X-ray to check for lumps, abnormalities and evidence of exposure to asbestos. These include pleural plaques, thickened pleura and calcium deposits.

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, which uses magnets and radio waves in order to produce a series of precise images of inside the body. A surgical biopsy is another method doctors use to diagnose mesothelioma. When a biopsy is performed, doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue from pleura or the peritoneum, to be further examined. A pathologist is then able to look at the tissue under microscopes to determine whether it is contaminated with cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma can be classified based on the mesothelial type involved, whether those cells are malignant or benign and the location, type, and stage of the cancer. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread, so it is important to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

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

Treatment

A mesothelioma diagnosis can be terrifying. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cancer can be treated, particularly in its early stages. Many people with mesothelioma live for many years with the disease, without spreading to other parts of their body.

Asbestos exposure can trigger mesothelioma via various mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or observed with the naked eyes are able to become airborne, causing irritation to the lining of the lung (pleura). As time passes irritation can lead to formation of scar tissue which leads to changes in the cell structure which eventually lead to tumors.

The pleura is the area that surrounds the heart and lungs, as well as the abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos, causing it to inflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes cause the development of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

Shortness of breath, chest discomfort or fluid buildup on the lungs are all symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. In rare instances, the cancer can spread to the tissues surrounding the heart and reproductive organs.

If imaging scans reveal an area of concern in the stomach or lungs doctors will recommend biopsies. During the procedure, doctors will remove a small sample of the tumor or fluid for lab testing. The results can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma and provide the most effective treatment plan.

There are a variety of treatment for mesothelioma including surgery and chemotherapy. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Participating in clinical trials of new mesothelioma treatment may also be beneficial to patients. Patients can find out more by consulting a mesothelioma expert who has treated the condition.