Cancer and Healthy

Gone are the days when the term "mesothelioma" was not familiar with the masses. These days only a mention of the word leads to an uncomfortable image of factories and mines are strewn with asbestos and the unfortunate victims are working in dangerous conditions. More insight is thrown into the plight of mesothelioma patients due to the concern of doctors, researchers and other organizations. Yet there is a long way to go with regard to early diagnosis and treatment of the fatal disease.

Mesothelioma is commonly known as Asbestos Cancer. This is an aggressive cancer that is caused mainly the result of inhaling dangerous asbestos fibers. The disease affects the mesothelium, a protective two-layered membrane that covers the internal organs like the lungs, heart and abdominal organs. Between these layers, the cells produce substance that helps the simple motion of the internal organs. Mesothelium may affect each of these cells. Most victims are usually older individuals, because the disease takes about 25 to 50 years to develop. Even washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos can be fatal.

The symptoms of the disease include shortness of breath, pain in the chest wall, weight, etc. Chest X-ray and CT scan can be used as diagnostic tools and the disease can be confirmed by a biopsy and microscopic examination. In spite of treatment with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery sometimes, complete cure of the disease is not possible. Researchers are trying their utmost for the early detection of mesothelioma. Other possible treatments are gene therapy, immune therapy, photodynamic therapy, etc. Since it is very difficult to diagnose the disease at an early stage, the symptoms are very serious. Later, the diagnosis of cancer must have spread that the treatment failed.

Statistics prove that the disease affected mostly men between 50 and 70 who were working in asbestos companies before awareness arose in the 1970s. Secondhand exposure to asbestos has led to more diagnoses of cases among women, whose family worked with asbestos. The residents of the places where asbestos mines and farms are located, are also susceptible to the disease. Shipyard workers, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, plumbers etc are also in the danger zone.

The reason for this condition is usually the lack of protection given to those working with asbestos. If the employers the right care for the health of workers, the disease can be prevented with a large degree. Although there is no complete cure of the disease, the helpless victim may have many options for support. It is the duty of the family and friends to stand with the victims during this terrible time. Legal aid may also be sought easy these days. But it is important to contact a qualified mesothelioma lawyer as soon as possible.