Mesothelioma: What to do?

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer common in people having exposure to asbestos. It is a cancer of the mesothelium, the protective sac that covers and protects most internal organs of the body. Like other forms of cancer, it occurs when due to abnormal cell behaviour. The cells of the patient divide or grow out of control overproducing inmesothelioma, the helpful lubricating fluid. This excess affects various tissues and may spread to other organs too.


Causes & Prevention:

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles, or have been exposed to asbestos dust and fibre in other ways, such as by washing the clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos, or by home renovation using asbestos cement products. Unlike lung cancer, there is no association between mesothelioma and smoking.

Asbestos exposure cannot be prevented completely as it is used in a variety of products. But, those who have prolonged exposure to it can prevent it by wearing masks. Also, you can change your clothes while going home to prevent your family.


Diagnosis & Treatment:

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests.

There are various treatments available for this disease. The kind of treatment depends on the infection of a patient. The most effective and the widely used is Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy. Surgery, Thoracentesis or Paracentesis may also be used for treating patients.


Legal Issues:

The first lawsuits against asbestos manufacturers were in 1929. Since then, many lawsuits have been filed against asbestos manufacturers and employers, for neglecting to implement safety measures after the links between asbestos, asbestosis, and mesothelioma became known. There are lawyers who can help to to fight these cases and inform you about the mesothelioma law. The liability resulting from the sheer number of lawsuits and people affected has reached billions of dollars. The amounts and method of allocating compensation have been the source of many court cases, and government attempts at resolution of existing and future cases.


You can find a lot of mesothelioma information on the internet.