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

Mesothelioma

Construction workers, industrial workers, military veterans and others who worked with asbestos-contaminated products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Repeated exposure to asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation that damages the mesothelium, causing DNA changes.

The risk of malignant mesothelioma increases proportionally to cumulative exposure, and to the third or fourth power after first exposure. Symptoms can appear between 10 and 50 years after exposure.

Symptoms

The mesothelium comprises the cells that make up the body. This lining protects organs and other tissues by lubricating them so they can slide across each other without difficulty. The mesothelioma malignancy can expand to other areas of the body, like the lungs, heart and abdomen. It can also trigger other symptoms, including chest pain and fatigue.

It can take up to 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma. This makes it difficult to identify by medical professionals. It is also possible to confuse with other diseases like pneumonia or the flu.

Patients might experience symptoms like difficulty breathing, constant coughing, chest pain or a change in the shape of the fingers and nails, called clubbing. Patients with mesothelioma can also develop an accumulation of fluids in the chest (peritoneal) or belly. This condition is called an Pleural effusion.

Like lung cancer, mesothelioma is not detectable in imaging tests, such as an X-ray or CT scan, until the cancer has progressed for several years. Doctors often need to perform a biopsy to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. This can be accomplished with the use of a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy.

These tests can help doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis and establish the treatment plan for the patient. Doctors can also review the history of a patient's asbestos claim exposure to determine if they are at risk for developing asbestos-related diseases.

The highest risk is for workers exposed to asbestos at their work places. Workers in shipbuilding, construction and other blue-collar professions and veterans of the United States Armed Forces are at high risk. People who live in areas with asbestos-contaminated workers are also at risk of developing mesothelioma. This is particularly true in the case of asbestos fibers on their clothing.

Anyone who has been diagnosed as having mesothelioma should visit their family doctor regularly for a checkup, and discussing any health issues related to asbestos. This is important because mesothelioma may be mistaken for other diseases such as asbestosis.

Diagnosis

The earliest symptoms of mesothelioma can look like the flu or a gastrointestinal problem. Patients may not notice symptoms until 10 to 50 years after asbestos compensation exposure due to the long latency period. Its similarity to other ailments can make it difficult to recognize. The location of the affected body part can also affect the symptoms.

The first step is to talk with your primary care physician or a different doctor who can determine the cause of your symptoms. They will request complete medical history and check to see if exposure to asbestos has been mentioned. They will also perform an examination and conduct basic tests like blood work or X rays.

A biopsy might be necessary to confirm a diagnosis, dependent on the type of mesothelioma. The biopsy involves inserting a needle into the chest or abdomen to take a small sample of the tissue. The tissue is then studied to determine if it has cancerous mesothelioma. Mesothelioma cells can be either epithelioid or sarcomatoid, and both types are malignant. 70% of all mesothelioma cells are epithelioid. the remainder is sarcomatoid.

After a mesothelioma biopsied has been performed, doctors can create an action plan. They usually refer the patient to a specialist to determine the best treatment option for their specific condition.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers is a cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a class of minerals that look like bundles of tiny thin, slender fibers. These fibers are found in soil, rock and are released into the air during construction and mining. Inhaled fibers can cause inflammation of the lung. In time, this may lead to scarring (asbestosis) and eventually mesothelioma. The majority of cancers are located in the lungs, but it can also grow in the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma) or testicles (pericardial mesothelioma).

Treatment

Mesothelioma is a cancer, that is an abnormal growth of cells that invades nearby organs and tissues. Cancerous cells can also expand to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

The treatment options for mesothelioma are different according to the type and the location. Today, doctors utilize chemotherapy and surgery to treat mesothelioma. Radiation therapy can be utilized in combination with chemotherapy or surgery. It aims to kill cancerous cells and decrease the pain and swelling associated mesothelioma.

Asbestos exposure may cause asbestosis. This is a non-cancerous disease that causes scarring to the lungs and other organs of the body. It may also lead to mesothelioma which is a more serious form of asbestos-related illness that's typically fatal. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that typically affects the lungs and abdomen. The symptoms include breathlessness, chest pain and coughing. X-rays or CT scans can help diagnose mesothelioma. The resulting images highlight areas of greater density, which could indicate scar tissue or a tumor mass. Doctors can conduct a bronchoscopy or needle biopsy to determine the difference.

A bronchoscopy is performed by inserting an extremely thin, flexible tube into the respiratory passages to visualize the tissue and then collect samples for testing. A needle biopsy involves injecting an injection of liquid into the area to take a small amount of tissue to be tested. Both procedures can be painful, however the results can help doctors identify mesothelioma and asbestosis.

The symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses and can be present up to 50 years after the initial exposure. It is often difficult to identify mesothelioma due to the latency period that occurs between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms. It is common for people to be misdiagnosed with other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu.

Scientists aren't sure the causes of mesothelioma however they do know that exposure to asbestos increases the risk. Asbestos exposure could be caused by working in industries like asbestos mining, manufacturing and construction. Additionally, asbestos-containing materials are often transported by workers to their homes and other workplaces where the fibers are ingested or inhaled. Amphibole and snakeine asbestos fibres are the most prevalent kinds of asbestos found in mesothelioma. The serpentine type is typically less carcinogenic than the amphibole type, but both types can cause disease.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the thin layer of tissue lining internal organs. It is usually caused by exposure to asbestos settlement, a class of minerals that are hard and resistant to heat. It is believed that asbestos fibres get into the lungs, which irritate the membranes, and eventually cause cancer. As time passes, this irritation can cause genetic mutations that can result in the growth of tumors.

Asbestos is exposed in a variety of ways, including during manufacturing, mining, cleaning or repairing asbestos-related products. It is also possible to be exposed during a person's home life by washing or wearing clothes that contain asbestos. Some people are at higher risk of developing mesothelioma based on their genetic or family history predisposition.

Mesothelioma patients may suffer from a variety of symptoms, which often mimic other illnesses. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize mesothelioma earlier. It is essential for people who have been exposed to asbestos to discuss their history with their doctor and request regular examinations.

The majority of mesothelioma cases result from asbestos exposure at work. Studies have shown that exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma. Asbestos dust may spread from workplaces to areas where people live. Residents living within 2000 meters of an asbestos mine or cement plant are at greater risk of mesothelioma.

Some people with mesothelioma develop a lung condition called asbestosis prior to the mesothelioma forming. Asbestosis can cause the lungs to thicken and make it difficult for people to breathe. This condition can make people require oxygen at home, and they might also need to undergo lung procedures such as an surgery called a lobectomy.

Additionally, some patients who suffer from mesothelioma receive treatment for symptoms of their cancer. Some people with mesothelioma are treated with drugs to improve their breathing or take part in clinical studies for treatments that are experimental. Mesothelioma is still a lethal disease, but early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis. Patients who have undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery have been able extend their lives for as long as 10 years.