Some Facts On Mesothelioma Disease And How It Can Be Conquered Or Prevented

By Heidi Wingrain

Mesothelioma is a potential killer disease which mankind is facing these days. The cancer which is commonly known as mesothelioma disease is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers for prolonged period of time. In many cases, the patients do not survive for more than two years after diagnosis. The symptoms of the disease appear very late making it almost impossible for a timely detection and effective treatment.

Asbestos, a widely used mineral in industries, is very toxic. The floating fibers, once inhaled, settle in the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that sheaths the cavities of our vital organs. These particles make the cells of the lining to divide without any order and the excess fluid formed due to this thickens the sidewalls of the organs, thereby impairing their proper functioning.

Mesothelioma disease is classified into three according to the areas of our body they occur. While the pleural mesothelioma affects the lung cavities, the peritoneal kind targets the abdominal cavities. The pericardial, which is the most potent among these, attacks the cavities of the heart.

There is no full cure for a fully developed mesothelioma cancer case, as of now. Traditional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation can at best increase the life span by several years. The treatment procedures are hindered due to late detection resulting from the long gestation period required for the disease to show its first symptoms. In most cases, symptoms show up only after the cancer reaches advanced stages. However, if detected early and treated quickly, there is a fair chance that the disease can be removed totally thereby assuring the patient a prolonged healthy life.

Hence periodic check ups are a must for those who have been exposed to asbestos at any point of time. To play safe, the family members should also go for that. The common symptoms of mesothelioma disease are breathing problems, cough, fever etc. But the sorry state of affairs is that all the cancer centers are not well equipped to treat the disease. It is important for the patient to choose a doctor who is an expert in the field of mesothelioma treatment. This would help in early diagnosis and better treatment to enhance the chances of a cure.

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