Mesothelioma Facts For Your Knowledge

By Heidi Wingrain

Mesothelioma is a malicious type of cancer which attacks the mesothelium, the protective membrane of the vital parts of our body. When cancer occurs the cells of this membrane start showing abnormal behavior by dividing on their own without any order. Gradually and slowly it spreads to the nearby tissues and organs, thereby affecting their functions.

Continuous exposure to asbestos leads to this type of cancer. Those workers earning their wages from factories and workshops, where the material is used are always at the danger zone. Asbestos being a substance which is naturally occurring and highly useful has been put to use extensively. Even though this is the case, the governments all over the world have opened their eyes to notice the side effects it causes. The use of asbestos, which is responsible for eighty percent of the mesothelioma cases, has been banned by many governments.

There are three types of this cancer. The first and the most common is the Pleural Mesothelioma, which attacks the lining around abdominal cavity and the heart. Doctors aver that this is a very dangerous malady since chances of survival for more than three years is practically nil. Next is the peritoneal mesothelioma, which attacks the sac around abdominal organs, especially the GI tract. The third form, which is very rare compared to the others, is the Pericardial Mesothelioma. It affects the protective lining of the heart exclusively and is the most life-threatening of the three forms.

The symptoms of mesothelioma infection include chest wall pain, fatigue, breathlessness, cough, blood emission during coughing spells, weight loss, abdominal dysfunction etc. The cancer becomes life threatening due to the fact that the symptoms develop only several years after a person inhales asbestos fibers. The law has come to the aid of such affected persons by making them eligible for compensation from the employer.

The traditional methods of treatment employed for mesothelioma treatment are surgery or removal of cancer, chemotherapy or use of drugs and radiation to kill malicious cells. Combinations of two of all of these are also employed in extreme cases. Researches are on to find a successful remedy, but early detection, diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve everlasting success in the fight against this induced physical malady. - 31397

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