Over exposure to asbestos leads to a form of cancer called mesothelioma: In this type of cancer, malignant cells are developed in the protective lining which covers most of the internal organs, known as mesothelium. Normally, pleura, which is the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall is affected by dangerous form of cancer, though it may also occur in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity and the pericardium, the sac protecting the heart.
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.
There are various factors which have to be considered for treating mesothelioma: The stage of the disease, location of the cancer, overall health and age of the patient are some of the determining factors. The traditional treatment options available are radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, though a combination of these would be done by the doctors as per the requirement.
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.
There are various factors which have to be considered for treating mesothelioma: The stage of the disease, location of the cancer, overall health and age of the patient are some of the determining factors. The traditional treatment options available are radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, though a combination of these would be done by the doctors as per the requirement.
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