Comprehending the worst effects of asbestos exposure!
Technologically the world is advancing in full speed and we are tasting the fruits of these advances. However with the sweet fruits, there are also bitter fruits and they hamper our living here. The occupations where there is dangerous levels of asbestos or even existence of asbestos, the employees are likely to catch a severe type of lung cancer called mesothelioma in their later life.
The occupations like constructions, ship building, insulation trades, etc are at higher risk. The asbestos exposure leads to sticking of the microscopic asbestos particles in the lining of the lungs that later develops into cancerous growths. Years pass before the person develops signs and symptoms of mesothelioma. Almost 3000 people are diagnosed with this dreaded cancer each year in US alone. The number is ever-increasing in the developing countries. Most commonly the tumor is formed in the lungs however sometimes abdominal peritoneum or pericardium (heart lining) is also affected.
The patient starts with common symptoms of breathlessness, cough, etc. The tumor forms a thick, white, and fleshy coating over the serous membranes. Most physicians believe that performing the pleural biopsy is the only way to sure shot mesothelioma diagnosis. However later tumor masses may develop at the site of biopsy too. Such is the dread of the cancer that the mortality rates are quite high and patient has to suffer lot of agony. However modern therapies along with the traditional surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy have filled the life of these patients with hope once again. That’s why prevent yourself from getting exposed to asbestos and save you and your family from the deadly consequences of mesothelioma!