Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that develops from the protective lining that covers many of the body's internal organs, the mesothelium. It is not the cancer of an organ but the cancer of the protective lining covering the organ. It has been proved since 1900s this rare form of cancer is almost caused by exposure to asbestos. The next question comes, what is and how do we get exposed to asbestos? Asbestos is a fibrous amphibole, used for making fireproof articles and building material. People working in such environment by inhaling such fibers can cause asbestosis or lung cancer. Mesothelioma is not restricted to lungs but can occur in the inner lining of abdomen, the heart and also vagina. Unlike other lung cancer, Mesothelioma is not caused by smoking, but by smoking the chances of getting this rare cancer are increased ten folds.
Symptoms and Treatment
The common symptoms of this disease are breathlessness, pain in the chest, fever, fatigue, cough and alarming weight loss. Though the cause of this disease is known, but the effective clinical treatment for the same has not been yet found. There is always a delay in diagnosing Mesothelioma as its symptoms are same as that of common viral. The treatment for Mesothelioma like any other cancer is surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. But this only slows the spread of cancer but does not cure.
Occurrence
Mesothelioma is more common in males than females. The ratio of male: female being 3:1. Also, it takes one to three decades for Mesothelioma to surface. It is detected mostly at the age of 35-40 years. But cases are known where in the diseased had developed the symptoms after few months of exposure to asbestos. Around 2,000 new cases are reported every year in United States. Though this is not contagious but one can come in contact with this disease by even washing the clothes of the person who has Mesothelioma.
General Awareness
This is not the common disease talked about and its general awareness is non-existent. One of the best ways to avoid it is, by not coming in contact with the culprit, “The Asbestos”. But this always is not possible. The government should take steps to cut down the use of asbestos in various works like mines, factories, automobile repairs, shipyard works, roof building material and so on. How far it will be possible is yet to be seen.
If one is working in an environment which exposes them to asbestos, then one has to educate themselves about Mesothelioma. Also, they should know their legal rights in asking for the claim from the company, as it is the company’s responsibility to take all the precautions and to minimize the asbestos exposure to all its employees.
Though the 100% cure of this rare cancer is yet not known, there are many clinics and organizations which help to understand about this disease and gives guidelines to minimize the sufferings. The most important thing the near ones of the diseased can do is to not to let them go in depression, but keep their moral high to fight Mesothelioma.
