Wilbert Ferrell's Site

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

Mesothelioma exposure typically occurs when people inhale or ingest airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a natural compound and was extensively used in manufacturing a wide variety of products like cement, insulation equipment, construction materials etc. It is extracted from natural sources and made into thin strands, which are then woven into threads before being put to industrial use. Its use increased greatly during the Second World War in ship building and related war period activities and continued till governments banned extensive use of asbestos after discovering the relationship between asbestos exposure and occurrence of mesothelioma.

In spite of all the positive aspects, asbestos has a serious drawback. The inhaled particles can cause cancer to mesothelium, which is the protective membrane of our vital internal organs. The disease becomes noticeable only after a long duration of time, may about fifty years later. The delay in diagnosis results in the death of many patients. The disease must have assumed alarming proportions before the infection is detected.

Many thousands have fallen victims of mesothelioma exposure so far. People who are constantly at the risk of contracting mesothelioma are those who are living near the places the mining is done, who are working in factories where asbestos is used and the family members who come into contact with the particles through cloths or hair of the workers. Wearing protective masks, taking a shower and changing cloths before leaving the work place are some of the effective measures for prevention. But there are many hapless victims who have already become victims of the disease before the curbs and preventive measures were undertaken strictly. The malicious disease has resulted in the death of many and there are many who prolong their lives depending on vigorous treatment procedures.

Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and pericardial Mesothelioma are the three categories of mesothelioma cancer identified. The pleural variety is the most commonly found one, whereas the pericardial cancer is the most dangerous type. But it is rarely found. Those persons who have been under the influence of asbestos at any point of time in their life should go for periodical check ups to find any trace of cancer. Since timely diagnosis is very difficult this is the best possible alternative to escape from mesothelioma exposure and the resultant fatal disease.