Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Malignant Mesothelioma - Facts You Need to Know

The National Cancer Institute described Malignant Mesothelioma as a rare and fatal disease. It is a type of cancer that affects the mesothelial cells in the sac lining of the serous cavities. The serous cavities protect the major organs of the body from abrasion due to breathing. Mesotheliomas start as a tumor. It continuously propagates to the surrounding tissues and eventually affects the major organs of the body such as the lungs, abdomen and the heart.

Most patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma had previous exposure to asbestos. The World Health Organization (WHO) found out that asbestos is a human carcinogen which is directly associated with mesothelioma. It is a fibrous mineral used for making fireproof articles, cement, insulation and other industrial applications. When the asbestos fibers are inhaled it remained in the organs. It eventually caused scarring and inflammation which leads to mesothelioma. People exposed to asbestos for one or two months are likely to develop the disease. Its effect to the serous cavities is not immediate. In fact it is only recently that people exposed to asbestos in the 1960s and '70s are diagnosed with mesothelioma. WHO further suggested that there are other factors affecting mesothelioma because not everyone exposed to it develop the disease.

Each patient of malignant mesothelioma has treatment options depending on the type and stage of the cancer. The traditional treatments of the malignant disease aim to remove the cancerous cells and stop its growth. Treatments available include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination thereof. A patient's response to the treatment differs from another; others may experience nausea and vomiting during the procedure. Unfortunately, these treatments can possibly damage the healthy cells as well.  That is why scientists and doctors are trying to develop new drugs and advanced treatment techniques to help the patients. Their study and research led to improve surgical and radiotherapy techniques and postoperative care. 

A person with malignant mesothelioma only exhibits symptoms after 10 to 50 years from exposure. During these years, the cancer has continued to progress and the treatment becomes more difficult. From that circumstance, those with previous asbestos exposure are advised to undergo front and side view x-ray. The result must be read by a B-reader radiologist certified as such by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Aside from x-ray, a pulmonary function test and physical examination will be necessary. These examinations must be done on a regular basis to keep track of the progress of the cancer.




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