The main cause of Mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos fibers and particles. Once the individual has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, there are very slim chances that he will survive. This is because the symptoms associated with the disease are not unique and can be related to other minor diseases as well. Therefore, while the individual may think that it is only asthma, it could be Mesothelioma.
When asbestos finds its way into an individual’s lungs through inhalation, the chances of him contracting Mesothelioma are very high. Asbestos is that material which is used for fire proofing. Because it is fibrous in nature, the fragments tend to get airborne and are usually invisible. When this material is inhaled, the individual will first suffer from an ailment called asbestosis.
Asbestosis leads to the formation of scar tissues in the lungs which will prevent the individual from breathing properly and over time, the air passages will get blocked altogether. If this problem is not found in the early stages, it will develop into Mesothelioma which will lead to the development of cancerous cells along the lining of the lungs and the chest.
The symptoms include severe chest pain and chronic breathing problems. The chances of asbestos entering the body are increased when this material is damaged because then it will break down into even smaller pieces and therefore, get inhaled easily. The particles will get lodged into the small air passages in the lung and make it difficult for the individual to breathe properly. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny slivers cannot be removed by coughing.
Unfortunately, the body will try to break these particles down as this is a natural defense. However, this will worsen the problem and cause the lung tissues to get inflamed further. In rare cases, the asbestos will enter the digestive system through ingestion of contaminated food. When these particles are first inhaled by the individual, they will target the lining around the lungs or the pleura.
The worst part is that the individual will experience only mild discomfort but if asbestos is inhaled over the period of a few years, Mesothelioma cancer cells will be formed because of the irritation in the lungs created by these fibers. As has already been mentioned, asbestos can also enter the body through food. If this is the case, the material will attach itself to the digestive tract in the body. Over time, the lining around the abdomen will get damaged and inflammation will take place.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is the name given to that type of the disease which affects the lining which surrounds the heart. Even though it has not been determined exactly how the fibers reach these membranes, chances are it is through the bloodstream.
Since usually Mesothelioma cannot be detected in the initial stages, the survival rate of individuals who get it is very low. The individual will live with the disease for 30 years before it will start giving him trouble. However, by this time it will be in the last stage and he will survive for a maximum of 18 months.