Mesothelioma is the name given to that form of cancer which is caused mainly by asbestos exposure. Cancer cells are formed in the lining which is found around every organ in the body. However, when one is diagnosed with Mesothelioma, the number of these cells found in the lining of the chest wall and the lungs will almost be double. They can also be found around the peritoneum, tunica vaginalis or pericardium.
People who suffer from Mesothelioma will realize that they have been exposed to the harmful material, asbestos, for a long period of time. The individual should be careful about getting his clothes washed with his family members’ because the asbestos particles tend to stick onto the clothes.
Even though Mesothelioma affects the lungs more than other organs, it has nothing to do with smoking. However, if you get exposed to asbestos on a regular basis and smoke at the same time- there is a definite chance that you will develop the disease.
A person suffering from Mesothelioma will find it difficult to breathe and complain of severe chest pain and increased weight loss. A CT Scan and a chest X-ray will confirm whether you have the cancer or not and a microscopic examination along with a biopsy will make it definite.
The patient will be subjected to regular treatment including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Statistics prove that the Mesothelioma survival rate is not very high. The biggest problem attached to this form of cancer is that it takes a long time to develop in the body. This time period can range from 20 years to 40 years. Naturally, a test will not prove anything for a long period of time. Because of this inactivity, the individual will feel that since the tests are not showing anything, the symptoms of shortness of breath and chest pain are related to some other defect in the body. Mostly, the patient will think of it as bronchitis or any other disease that tends to get okay with time.
The cancer cells will keep spreading in the body over time up till a stage where chemotherapy will not be of any use. Even though the Mesothelioma survival rate is dismal, it is always better if the cancer is found in the early stages. Since the patient will start getting treatment earlier, there are chances that the person will survive. However, if the person waits till the very last minute to go to the doctor, chances are that the cancerous cells will have taken over the entire body.
The worst part about Mesothelioma is that since it affects the fluid systems, the cancer cells have a tendency of breaking away and traveling to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, most Mesothelioma patients tend to ignore the problem till the last stage which is why ultimately they are at a great risk. Even though radiation and chemotherapy can destroy cancer cells, these treatments become ineffective if the cells have planted themselves in each and every organ in the body.