Health Network News

Mesothelioma stands high among the most threatening diseases which affect mankind in the present world. Inhaling asbestos fibers for a long time is the cause behind mesothelioma disease. In most cases the patients die within two years of diagnosis. The peculiarity of the disease is that it takes many decades to develop and show its first symptoms. This very fact proves to be a hindrance in timely detection and proper 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 categorized into three based on the areas of our body where they occur. The lung cavities are affected by the pleural mesothelioma, whereas the abdominal cavities are infected by the peritoneal type. The most malicious form, the pericardial, affects the cavities of the heart.

At the present time, there is no complete cure for mesothelioma disease. But life span can be increased a little further with traditional therapies like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The late diagnosis due to the delayed appearance of symptoms greatly influences the treatment procedure from being cent percent effective. In most of the cases the symptoms appear as the cancer reaches the final stages. If the diagnosis happens early, by any means there is possibility that the disease can be removed and the patient enjoys a healthy long life.

It is advisable for all those who have worked in asbestos factories or pits and their relative to undergo periodic tests to root out the fear of cancer. Breathing problems, cough and fever are the common symptoms of the disease. But many of the cancer centers are not prepared to deal with mesothelioma disease. In such a situation, the patients should approach only doctors who are experts in treating the disease. Otherwise it would hamper an early diagnosis, which finally delays the treatment reducing the chances of a cure or survival.