Mesothelioma-A merciless killer of unwitting souls
Over asbestos exposure leads to a form of cancer called mesothelioma : In this kind of cancer, malignant cells are developed in the protecting lining which covers the majority of the interior organs, known as mesothelium. Normally, pleura, which is the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall is influenced by dangerous kind of cancer, though it may also happen in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity and the pericardium, the sac defending the heart.
Mainly, people who had worked on jobs where they got exposed to asbestos particles are found to be the victims of mesothelioma: Another possibility is that asbestos dust and fiber must have entered their system through some other ways. The fatal disease does not even spare the family members of the workers. They also may get exposed through the particles which are trapped in the workers’ hair or cloths. The gravity of the disease is enhanced by the habit of smoking. It is quite natural for the workers of factories where asbestos is involved to inhale the dangerous particles. Even the relatives and close family members are not left out by mesothelioma: Asbestos particles that remain attached to the workers’ cloths and hair reach their dear and near ones. It has been found that workers, who are heavy smokers, are under the threat of this cancer induced by asbestos particles.
The symptoms of this malicious disease are wide and varied. They include shortness of breath due to collection of fluid between the lung and the chest wall, chest wall pain, weight loss for no apparent reason, fever etc. Mostly, the disease is diagnosed when the patient goes for some other treatment. A chest X-ray or CT scan may give hints to make the physician suspicious and he may advise to go for a biopsy and microscopic examination, which confirm the worst fear.
Dealing with the disease is very difficult since the symptoms of this disease are common to some other common illnesses. This may confuse the physician. At the same time, the symptoms appear very late after exposure to asbestos. In many cases, the initial symptoms appear as late as five decades. Both the conditions negatively affect the chances for a cure.
The situation of the cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient’s general health and age are the basic factors which determine treatment for mesothelioma : chemo, radiation and surgery are the standard treatment possibilities available for the patients. Doctors may combine these techniques according to their discreetness.