The Truth Behind Pleural Mesothelioma
Inhaling asbestos filled air for longer durations result in a kind of cancer, which is called Mesothelioma. It is mainly classified into three categories. The most common among these is pleural mesothelioma and it is responsible for majority of the cases reported. In pleural mesothelioma, the protective membrane of our internal organs called mesothelium gets covered with the malicious loose asbestos fibers. This gradually damages the cells and affects its functioning. Mainly this type of cancer affects pleura, the protective lining around lungs and internal chest wall.
The pleura consist of parietal and visceral pleura. While the former covers the chest wall, the latter sheaths the lungs. A fluid between these two linings allows easy expansion and contraction of lungs. The inhaled asbestos gets into the minute passages of the lungs and later enters the pleura. A chemical reaction, which is still unknown to the medical world, takes place, which results in formation of cancerous cells. Cells start dividing unnaturally resulting in the pleural lining becoming thicker and accumulation of excess fluid. The thickening of pleura reduces breathing process, thereby causing breathlessness.
Other than shortness of breath which is the first symptom the patient suffers from chest pain, weight loss and night sweats. The severity of the disease will increase with the number of years a person is exposed to asbestos. After the patient is exposed to the malicious asbestos it may take years for the symptoms to appear. There is also the possibility of wrong diagnosis in the case of this disease. This may add to the severity of the condition. If the symptoms appear in a person who has been in contact with asbestos, it is advisable to consult a mesothelioma specialist immediately.
There are traditional treatment methods like radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery available for the disease. But these methods are not completely successful. The five different surgical treatment followed is intra-operative photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy.
Radiation therapy entails using high energy gamma rays, X-rays or neutrons, while chemotherapy is the most accepted medicated treatment. In addition, intra-operative photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy and gene therapy are also resorted to. However, the success of every treatment depends on the level infection and the will power of the patient.
If you liked this write up about Mesothelioma Asbestos Cancer, then you should see this other site about mesothelioma.
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