Tuesday, January 26, 2010

How To Tackle Mesothelioma Disease

By Heidi Wingrain

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, which is a naturally occurring mineral, is widely used in industries for many purposes. Once inhaled the fibers settle in the mesothelium, which is a protective membrane that covers the important internal organs. This makes the cells to divide unnaturally resulting in the production of excess fluid. The side walls get thickened due to this extra fluid as a result of which the proper functioning of the organs is hampered.

Depending on the area of occurrence mesothelioma disease is divided into three. The pleural mesothelioma affects the lung cavities, the peritoneal attacks the abdominal cavities and the pericardial impairs the cavities of the heart. The pericardial is found to the most dangerous one among the three.

Complete cure is not available for mesothelioma as of now. But precious years can be added by employing traditional methods of treatment like surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, the late detection due to the delayed appearance of the symptoms affects the treatment adversely. In majority of the cases the symptoms are noticeable only in the advanced stages. If detected early the chances of a cure increases manifold though proper medical attention and treatment procedures.

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.

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