Friday, October 2, 2009

The Killer Characteristics Of Mesothelioma Asbestos

By Heidi Wingrain

Our vital organs are sheathed in a single layer of compacted cuboidal cells. This layer, called mesothelium lines the serous cavities of our body. The cells of this covering become cancerous when particles of mesothelioma asbestos get deposited in it. The infection slowly retards the normal functioning of nearby organs thereby resulting in death. Statistics prove that almost ninety percent of all mesothelioma cases occur due to asbestos exposure only.

Being a highly useful natural mineral, asbestos is put to use extensively for industrial purpose. Thin threads can be extracted from its flexible but strong fibers. Some of its industrial uses are in making cement, textiles, insulation, roof shingles etc. The health of the workers of these industries is always in peril because the thin fibers float in the air and get inhaled or swallowed by them. These particles finally reach the mesothelium. Having the ability to change the functions of macrophages, the fibers of this material create appropriate conditions for mesothelioma development. The normal working of our immune system is spoiled by the mesothelioma asbestos. This is done by deactivating tumor suppressor genes and activating proto-oncogenes, oncogenes, error prone DNA repair enzymes and telomerase and preventing apoptosis.

Mesothelioma risks are greater among people residing near asbestos mines. The most risk prone category is the workers working in the factories where asbestos is used as raw material. The risk factor can be reduced greatly by wearing protective gear while dealing with asbestos.

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 visible only many years after the exposure to the asbestos particles. This hinders the effectiveness of treatment. If the diagnosis is done early and proper treatment taken, the life of the patient can be increased to some extent. Traditional and modern therapies like gene therapy are used to fight against the disease. But prevention is always better than cure. Avoiding the exposure to mesothelioma asbestos and handling the compound with protective gadgets will help to resist the malaise.

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