Mesothelioma And Asbestos: A Simple Definition > 자유게시판

Mesothelioma and Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of thin, long fibres. Workers who are exposed asbestos regularly risk developing mesothelioma and other lung diseases.

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

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung's outer lining or the pleura. It is the most common mesothelioma type, accounting for up 70% to 79% of diagnosed cases. Patients suffering from this condition suffer from chest pain and shortness of breath and may experience a sensation of heaviness in the chest.

Exposure to asbestos, youtube a family of minerals made of microscopic fibers causes this type of cancer. Once inhaled, these fibers are absorbed into the lung and cause irritation that results in scarring and DNA mutations. Pleura covers both the chest cavity as well as the lungs, which means that irritations can also affect the heart. Mesothelioma symptoms are usually not apparent until 30 to 50 years after exposure.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain and shortness of breath. Some patients also experience difficulty 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 were in the military are at a higher risk due to the widespread use of asbestos in Navy vessels and bunkers in 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 that a patient is in at the time of diagnosis will help determine what treatment plan they should follow. Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma who is in stage three or stage four will suffer a more negative prognosis than those in a lower stage. Stage four mesothelioma can be spread to the liver, heart, or diaphragm. This makes it more difficult to treat and increases the chance of complications for the patient.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lung lining, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, it is a membrane that lines the abdominal cavity as well as organs such as the liver and intestines. Like pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. The disease is much less prevalent than pleural mesothelioma, with just 300-500 cases being diagnosed each year.

Like pleural mesothelioma, symptoms may take years to appear. Most patients are afflicted with abdominal pain as well as abdominal swelling. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma can also include nausea as well as weight loss and fever. Many of these symptoms are similar to those experienced by digestive problems, which can result in incorrect diagnosis.

Doctors can detect mesothelioma by looking over the medical history of the patient and performing a physical exam. They may also employ imaging tests like Xrays, CT scans and PET/CT scans to identify mesothelioma. These tests can show cancerous tumors or other symptoms of cancer that aren't visible on an X-ray.

These tests enable doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and determine the stage. They can also recommend treatment options. The stage is determined by the type of cell as well as whether the cancer has spread.

The most significant mesothelioma risk factor is exposure to asbestos. People who have worked in jobs that require asbestos, such as plumbing, manufacturing, YouTube electrical work, or construction, are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Even if they aren't employed in these fields, they can still be exposed to asbestos through family members or other sources. Anyone who believes they're at risk should speak with a doctor. If they have a history of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma is a concern, a specialist will help them find out more about the risk.

Risk Factors

Asbestos is the primary mesothelioma-related risk factor. It is responsible for up to the 80% of cases. Exposure to asbestos may occur through work, military service, or by living with a person who works with asbestos or used to do so. When exposed to asbestos, particles can be inhaled into the abdomen and lungs. These particles irritate the linings of the abdomen, which causes cancerous cells to develop in the mesothelium. After asbestos exposure mesothelioma can be diagnosed between 15 and 60 years.

Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, and age. People in their 40s and 50s are more likely to develop mesothelioma than those who are younger or older. This is because mesothelioma usually lasts between 20 and 60 years from the initial exposure before symptoms of cancer begin to manifest. It is important to remember that mesothelioma is a possibility in those who were exposed to asbestos but did not deal with it directly. This is referred to as indirect or secondary exposure to asbestos and it could be as hazardous as direct exposure.

Smoking increases the risk of getting mesothelioma because it damages the mesothelium, which makes it more vulnerable to asbestos. Mesothelioma is also aggravated by certain illnesses such as asbestosis and pneumonia. It is also important to know that mesothelioma occurs more frequently in men than women. This is due to the fact that men are more likely to be exposed to asbestos and endure a an extended period of exposure than women. Men are also more likely to have lived with someone who had been exposed to asbestos, and to have asbestos-containing fibers on their clothing. Women are less likely to be in contact with asbestos, and they don't usually bring asbestos home on their clothes.

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is difficult to recognize because the symptoms can be similar to other diseases. This can lead to victims being incorrectly diagnosed.

NYU Langone doctors will perform a physical examination and record the patient's medical background including asbestos exposure. Doctors may also order an X-ray of the chest or CT scan to look for lumps and other abnormalities and also to look for evidence of asbestos exposure in the past such as plaques on the pleura (thickened pleura with calcium deposits) and the buildup of fluid between the lung and chest wall (known as pleural effusion).

Other diagnostic tests include a magnetic resonance imaging or MRI test, that uses 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 by performing the procedure of a surgical biopsy. When a biopsy is performed doctors will remove a small piece of tissue from the pleura or the peritoneum to be examined further. A pathologist can look at the tissue under a microscope to see if it has cancerous cells.

The type of mesothelial cells involved as well as the benign or malignant nature of these cells, as well as the location and stage of the tumor, are used to categorize the disease. Some types of mesothelioma are more likely to grow or spread which is why it is crucial to establish a definitive diagnosis so that doctors can treat the disease before it gets out of control.

Doctors may also conduct laboratory tests on a tumor to find particular proteins, genes or other elements that can help them describe the cancer's characteristics 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, especially in its initial stages. Many patients with mesothelioma survive for many years with the disease without it spreading to other organs of their body.

Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma through many mechanisms. Asbestos fibers that are too small to be felt or seen by naked eyes, can become airborne and irritate the lung's lining (pleura). Over time the irritation causes the formation of scar tissues and eventually tumors.

The Pleura is a covering that protects the lungs, heart and abdomen. Mesothelium consists of cells that react to exposure to asbestos and cause it to enflame and develop scar tissue. As time passes, these changes result in the growth of malignant mesothelioma tumors.

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

If imaging scans reveal a possible mass in the lungs or stomach doctors will recommend a biopsies. In the course of the procedure, doctors remove small amounts of fluid or tumor to allow for tests in the laboratory. The results will confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis, and indicate the most effective treatment plan.

There are many types of treatment for mesothelioma such as chemotherapy and surgery. Most doctors use combinations of these treatments. Enrolling in clinical trials of mesothelioma treatments that are new could be beneficial for patients. To find out more, patients should consult a mesothelioma specialist who has experience treating the condition.