When a person gets exposed to asbestos for longer durations of time, it leads to the development of a certain type of cancer called mesothelioma: Dangerous cells are formed in the protective lining which is the covering of our vital organs known as mesothelium, in this type of cancer. This fatal cancer normally affects the pleura, which is the peripheral lining of the lungs and internal chest wall. It may also occur in the lining of the abdominal cavity called the peritoneum and the sac protecting the heart known as the pericardium.
Mainly, people who had worked on jobs where they got exposed to asbestos particles are found to be the victims of mesothelioma: Another possibility is that asbestos dust and fiber must have entered their system through some other ways. The fatal disease does not even spare the family members of the workers. They also may get exposed through the particles which are trapped in the workers' hair or cloths. The gravity of the disease is enhanced by the habit of smoking.
Wide range of symptoms is there for this disease, which includes shortness of breath, weight-loss, pain in the chest wall, fever etc. Many a times the disease is detected when the patient goes to the physician for treating some other disorders. If the doctor finds something to be suspicious, he advises a biopsy which may confirm the fatal illness.
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.
The location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, the patient's general health and age are the basic factors which determine treatment for mesothelioma: Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are the standard treatment options available for the patients. Doctors may combine these methods according to their discretion.
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