All of us are more aware of the more common diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and do not give much importance or simply do not know about equally dangerous diseases like Mesothelioma. This lack of awareness is due to the fact that not much has been written about it and the development of this disease is a slow one. It is definitely a very lethal one, once it develops and that is why it is crucial to be aware of it and how it can be prevented.

So what is this disease all about?

This is a type of cancer that humans who have been working or exposed to asbestos can get over time and it actually leads to the collapse of the functioning of the lungs. The disease attacks the membrane that protects the lungs and renders the lungs useless. Besides the lungs, the abdominal as well as reproductive organs get affected as well and it is purely a function of how a particular individual's body is able to resist the disease that determines which other organs the disease could strike.

People who have been exposed to asbestos fumes and the chemicals even in small doses can get this disease and the dangerous aspect of it is that it takes years for the person to actually realise he has got the disease. This brings about some complacency in the individual and he does not take treatment on time, which is actually the wrong thing to do. However, people who have no choice but to work in areas where there is a lot of asbestos exposure such as building workers, factories should ensure that they protect themselves adequately and take steps such that they are absolutely safe from any kind of exposure.

Can this disease be cured?

Unfortunately, like most cancers, this too cannot be totally cured and can only be brought under control through extensive chemotherapy sessions as well as other drugs. This line of treatment will still not ensure total cure and will only serve to mitigate the suffering that the individual undergoes. It is sad that people who got exposed to the scourge of asbestos many years ago have to bear the ill effects now with the cancer having got the opportunity to develop and grow all these years.

However, it is necessary for the individual to not lose hope and he or she must believe that they will fight the disease. It is mental strength that will help them pull through along with the medicines they are taking. Other support in terms of company of near and dear ones as well as friends will also have their own positive advantages.