Wednesday, March 3, 2010

The Frightening And Fatal Cancer Mesothelioma Pericardial

By Heidi Wingrain

Mesothelioma is a kind of cancer that's almost always caused by getting exposed to asbestos. In this disease, malevolent cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers the majority of the body's internal organs. Its commonest site is the pleura ( outer liner of the lungs and internal chest wall ), but it might also occur in the peritoneum ( the liner of the abdominal cavity ), the heart, the pericardium ( a sac that surrounds the heart ) or tunica vaginalis.

Depending on the nature of infection, asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is categorized into three groups. The peritoneal and pleural forms of mesothelioma are responsible for more than ninety percent of the cases. Mesothelioma pericardial accounts for only five percent and it affects the protective membrane surrounding the heart. But in comparison to the other two forms, mesothelioma pericardial is found to be extremely dangerous. The chances of survival after getting affected by this form of cancer are nil.

Mesothelioma pericardial is also detected very late like other forms of cancer. The chance of getting well become grim because the diagnosis normally occurs ten to fifty years after the victim has contracted the disease. This hampers the process of treatment and healing. In most cases the detection happens so late that the patient dies within six to one year after the diagnosis. Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, incessant cough, pain in and around the chest etc are the symptoms of the disease. It would be better to allow the patient to die peacefully and painlessly than putting him through the trauma of endless treatments and drugs.

Medical science has given a fresh lease of life to mesothelioma pericardial patients through the latest researches. Alternate therapies and treatment methods have come up which may expand the life span of the victims. One such method is the immunotherapy, aimed at improving the immunity of the body. Gener therapy is another one which is looked upon hopefully by the patients. But prevention is always better than cure. It is always advisable for persons who have been exposed to asbestos to get the check up done to detect any trace of asbestos infection. Even the family members can go for it since they are also not spared by the malicious disease.

The government has been compassionate to the victims. Laws are enacted through which the patients can demand for compensation. Regulations on the use of asbestos have also come into existence. Patients can avail the help of attorneys and lawyers experienced in mesothelioma cases to get a handsome compensation within a short duration of time. It would be a great relief to the victims of mesothelioma pericardial and their family members of struggling to meet both ends.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment