A single layer of compressed cubical cells cover our vital organs. This layer is called mesothelium and it lines the serous cavities of our body. When the minute particles of mesothelioma asbestos get deposited in it, the cells of mesothelium become cancerous. Slowly and gradually it spreads to the adjacent organs and their functions are disturbed. The victim thus suffers from a premature death. According to statistics exposure to asbestos is the reason behind almost ninety percent of all mesothelioma cases.
Gigantic commercial use is there for asbestos, which is a commonly occurring mineral. Being flexible and strong it is utilized in making roof shingles, cement, insulation, textiles and so on. The problem with asbestos is that in the manufacturing process, thin fibers float in the air. This is inhaled or swallowed by the employees and the particles reach the mesothelium. Functions of macrophages are changed by the fibers of this material leading to the development of acceptable conditions for mesothelioma development. Mesothelioma asbestos has the capacity to retard the right functioning of our immune system by turning on oncogenes, proto-oncogenes, error prone DNA correct enzymes and deactivating tumor suppressor genes.
Populations residing near asbestos mines are environmentally exposed to mesothelioma risks. Those who work in factories using asbestos as raw material are the most risk prone. Wearing protective gear while handling asbestos can greatly reduce the risk quotient.
Even family members of the workers are not spared. They may also fall victims to the cancer through the particles carried by the worker’s hair and clothes. In order to avoid this, workers should go home after a bath and changing clothes. Some construction materials, especially the ones used for insulation contain asbestos, which can put the lives of the residents in jeopardy.
The symptoms of mesothelioma would be plain only many years after the exposure to the asbestos particles. This hinders the efficacy of treatment. If the diagnosis is done early and correct treatment taken, the life of the patient can be increased to some extent. Standard and modern treatments like gene treatment are used to fight against the disease. But prevention is frequently better than cure. Avoiding the exposure to mesothelioma asbestos and handling the compound with protective widgets will help to withstand the malaise.