Mesothelioma is nothing but a cancer of mesothelium. Mesothelium is the covering structure of the most of the internal organs of the body.
Cancer as we all know is excess growth of cell of the particular organ or tissue. Here the triggering factor is believed to be the asbestos. Thats why it is called ASBESTOSIS LUNG CANCER.
Mesothelioma is predominantly noticed in pleura [the lining that covers the chest cavity and the lung]. The pericardium [the covering of the heart] and peritoneum [the covering of the abdominal cavity] are also affected by this dangerous cancerous growth.
B. Mesothelioma Causes
The people who are exposed to asbestos particle are highly prone for this dangerous disease condition. The people who are in the job of washing the dress materials of the person who is working in asbestos factory are also equally susceptible.
The reason is that these people may inhale the asbestos dust that comes out while washing the asbestos contaminated dress materials. The people who are in to house renovation using the asbestos mixed cement products are also coming under risk category. But one big relief is that there is no connection between the smoking habit and mesothelioma development.
C. Epidemiology
The incidence of mesothelioma is one in ten lakh persons. As far as western countries are concerned the incidence is slightly high. The incidence of mesothelioma is 7 – 40 in ten lakhs persons. The reason for the increased incidence in western countries is nothing but the industrialization.
As far as United States of America is concerned the mesothelioma incidence reached 15 people out of ten lakh persons in the year 2004.
The men are more prone for mesothelioma however this disease condition can be noticed women too. The risk of mesothelioma increases as the age increases but the disease can make its appearances at any age.
As far the part of the body is concerned the peritoneum are highly susceptible as nearly one third of the mesothelioma are found to be seen in peritoneum.
D. The Risk Factors
As discussed earlier the asbestos exposure is the major risk factor. This doesn’t imply that the person who are not at all exposed to asbestos are not be bothered by this dangerous disease condition.
Yes, there are reports of mesothelioma in those who were not at all having any connection to asbestos either directly and indirectly.
Mesothelioma can also be triggered by other substances such as irradiation, erionite [fibrous silicate], and thorium dioxide but the incidences are very rare.
E. Treatment
Radiotherapy is one of the treatment options as far as mesothelioma is concerned. These mesothelioma tumors are resistant to radiation, but radio therapy helps to mitigate the symptoms such a blood vessel obstruction.
Radio therapy along with chemotherapy can be attempted. Knowing the mesothelioma information will definitely help you to prevent the mesothelioma condition.