Mesothelioma Lung Cancer – Understanding the Disease
Mesothelium is the membrane that surrounds most of the internal organs in the thoracic cavity. It is called different names according to the organ that it covers or protecting. The membrane covering the lungs is called pleura, the one covering the heart is called pericardium, and the one covering the lining of the abdomen is called peritoneum.
Occasionally, the cells in the mesothelium membrane may have malignant cells. These are abnormal cancerous cells that also malfunction by producing excess fluids. The most occurring form of cancer is the mesothelioma lung cancer. This is also called pleural cancer.
It is almost 100% that the major cause of mesothelioma lung cancer is the exposure to asbestos. It should be remembered that lung cancer is largely caused by smoking of cigarettes which has lead to banning of cigarette smoking in public in many countries in the world. However, mesothelioma lung cancer is caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. This may be an exposure for as many as 30 to 50 years. Exposure to smoking may only aggravate it but smoking is not a precondition for it to exist.
Proof of exposure to asbestos as the being the causative factor of mesothelioma lung cancer is important for litigation. Because of previous observations that companies that employ their workers who work in these dangerous areas where they may be exposed often do not take care of the affected individuals. Such companies are now forced by the asbestos law or mesothelioma law to provide adequate minimum compensation package including medical care.
Symptoms or early warnings for developing mesothelioma lung cancer are seen in sharp pains, short breath and weight loss. Pain is largely due to the excessive secretion of the pleural fluids in the chest cavity leading to pressing of the lungs and other organs. Short breath is equally due to the secretion of excessive fluids leaving little space for the organs that are supposed to expel the air in and out of the lungs or diaphragm. Weight loss would be due to the inability to eat well, poor bowel functions and poor digestion.
Treatment of cancer of the pleural cells can be done if diagnosed in the early stages, This can either involve surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Each of the forms of treatment has a benefit and a disadvantage. It is therefore important to seek opinion of your doctor to decide on what form of therapy to undertake.