Excessive cough, breathlessness, chest pain, weakness, cachexia (unexplained weight loss) etc are some of the features of a dreaded cancer called mesothelioma. It is a cancer affecting mesothelium of pleura, peritoneum, and/or pericardium. The cancer cells grow fast at times and lead to metastasis to distant organs in the body, thus evoking a poor prognosis.
If we look at the incidence of this cancer worldwide, we see that it is unfortunately increasing over years and the statistics say that it may rise further. What is the reason behind this dangerous cancer?
Well, prime factor that governs the mesothelioma cancer is asbestos exposure. The exposure to asbestos is like propelling ourselves on the road o disaster. The incidence of the disease is therefore high in occupations those get direct contact with asbestos. The industries include ship yard industry, roof shingles, construction industry, etc.
That’s why the workers here are at highest risk of developing the mesothelioma cancer. Also certain solvents and chemicals used in certain industries are dangerous and can work as triggers for genetic mutation o occur.
No doubt the genetic mutation remains as the prime causative factor for any cancer. But asbestos exposure acts as a trigger for this mutation. The particles of asbestos are very tiny and they can be inhaled easily while working in its vicinity. These particles when inhaled stick in the lungs and have the capacity o remain there for very long period. This triggers start of the cancer though it takes two or three decades to symptoms to appear.
That’s the reason many doctors miss the diagnosis and take the sever cough as due to pneumonia. But with careful investigative studies, doctors can diagnose mesothelioma and pleural biopsy is the final test that confirms the diagnosis. it is always good for the patient when this diagnosis is done at early stages so that his chances of recovery and life increase by leaps and bounds.
Comprehending the dangerous effect of asbestos, therefore, many governments today (like UK Government) have taken stringent action against the occupational environment and have decided the levels of asbestos allowable in the workplaces. But in many developing countries, still the norms are fragile and this is increasing the incidence of mesothelioma.
The best part about prevention of asbestos exposure is that for implementing such prevention, employers need not spend huge money. Just making available a well-fitting mask is enough for protecting millions of asbestos workers worldwide. But this action seems difficult for some employers. That’s why these employers today can be punished and sought compensations from by filing a lawsuit.
The mesothelioma patients can contact mesothelioma lawyers and file a case against such careless employers. well, no doubt prevention is better than cure. But if your employer made you suffer with this nasty cancer, you deserve to win compensation for sure
Just beware of this dangerous cancer. if you or your relative is working in similar industries, make sure your employer is taking care of apt preventive measures and if not, you can raise your voice against it You deserve safety at workplace
Asbestos Exposure – The Prime Risk Factor For Mesothelioma
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