Mesothelioma - Some Facts

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Among many rare cancers, mesothelioma is one cancer that arouses shock and panic in the patient and his relatives. It is the cancer with not a very good prognosis unless diagnosed in early stages. The diagnosis however is often late as the condition mimics severe pneumonia and unless proper screening is done with the intention to diagnose mesothelioma, doctors may miss it. The cancerous pathologies always take different courses in different individuals. But mesothelioma is the cancer that almost always takes a deteriorating course if not treated in time.

Let's see some of the most important facts of mesothelioma:

oMesothelioma is the cancer that occurs due to inhaling asbestos particles. The asbestos exposure leads to mesothelioma though the onset of symptoms may take decades to express.

oThe cancer affects the mesothelium (serous lining) of pleura, peritoneum and/or pericardium. The lung affection is however most common while pericardial affection is rarest of the three.

oThe cancer spreads to neighboring lymph nodes and even distant organs if not diagnosed in time. Faster spread obviously leads to deterioration of patient's condition and faster death.

oThe mesothelioma diagnosis is therefore most crucial step to save life of the patient; or at least to extend the life by few years.

oScreening tests include chest X ray, CT scan, MRI scan, and most importantly biopsy of the lung tissue. Only then the diagnosis and staging of mesothelioma can be done perfectly.

oThe patient with mesothelioma often complains of chest pain, severe non-productive cough, and breathlessness. In undiagnosed cases, cachexia (unexplained weight loss) is also evident.

oAfter diagnosing the case accurately and staging is done, the responsibility of an expert doctor is to plan the right treatment. The treatment options are plenty; however, the choice is done after consulting experts in the field and also considering patient's condition and his willingness to opt for treatment.

o Along with the conventional treatment options for every cancer like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, patients are advised some clinical trials too at times or better results. Patient's overall condition and compliance to treatments make good decision of such alternative treatment plans.

o Nutrition is one of the most important things to be paid attention to and expert guidance is sought to plan a nutritive yet light diet for these patients.

o Psychotherapy and counseling form the major part of any treatment regime for mesothelioma, because unless the patient and his relatives are psychologically prepared, they cannot give their 100% fight to curb the menace.

In short, today with amazing medical and surgical advances, doctors can help mesothelioma patients to lead quality life. Just the patients should not delay their hospital visit upon symptoms like the ones mentioned above and also should cooperate fully with the doctor. In the end, one must not forget to seek legal help to seek compensation from the employer because of whom the victim today is suffering with mesothelioma. Remember the guilty must be punished and the victim must gain his most deserved compensation to fight the odds!

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