Mesothalmia also known as mesothelioma cancer is a form of cancer induced due to frequent and continuous exposure to asbestos. In this disease the malignant cells present in mesothelium, a protective layer covering most of the vital organs of human body grow uncontrollably. Common sites of attack are pleura (outer lining of lungs and internal chest), pericardium (surrounding the heart), peritoneum (lining of abdomen) etc. People working for long times under asbestos kust be aware about chronic disease management of mesothalmia. Victims of mesothalmia are often people who inhale asbestos particles. Studies have also revealed that people washing clothes of employees working under asbestos may also be attacked by mesothalmia. Mesothalmia is not induced by smoking but it induces the risk of mesothalmia.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND HOW CAN BE DIAGONISED?
1. Shortness of breath
2. Pain in chest wall
3. Presence of fluid around lungs.
4. Frequent wheezing and coughing.
5. Presence of blood in sputum.
Patients showing the above symptoms should be immediately subjected for diagnosis tests, detection of the disease in early stages plays an important role in chronic disease management.
Detection of mesothalmia is a difficult task indeed as the symptoms shown are similar to many other diseases the main factor that helps in such a situation is the history of patient whether if he used to work for long periods under asbestos then there is a probable chance of mesothalmia. Many diagnosis tests are conducted for confirmation such as chest X-ray, CT scan, cytopathology etc.
HOW CAN MESOTHALMIA BE TREATED AND STEPS FOR PREVENTION:
Treatment of mesothalmia is done by conventional therapies and surgeries. Surgeries have proved to be disappointing in the past but mesothalmia can be treated efficiently by radiation and chemotherapy in its initial stages. Chronic disease management of mesothalmia has extended the life of almost 75% patients by almost five years.
Following are the steps for prevention of mesothalmia:
1. Exposure to asbestos being the main reason behind mesothalmia, asbestos should be banned from domestic and commercial buildings.
2. Factories and industries working with asbestos should be far from populated regions.
3. Workers exposed to asbestos should take a shower and change their working dress before leaving the work place to prevent the spread of mesothalmia.
