Mesothelioma, the name is enough to raise alarm bells for most people. Well, we know that it is a severe form of cancer that affects the serous membranes of the body. Though there are many forms of mesothelioma, the affection of lungs is the most frequent and results due to asbestos exposure. The incidence despite of increasing awareness is on rise all over the world and is definitely a cause of worry for the health professionals.

This form of lung cancer also may affect abdominal peritoneum and pericardium. The sufferer may not be aware of when he was directly exposed to asbestos, since the duration the cancer takes to develop after the exposure is almost 3 to 4 decades. Some of them might recollect that they were working or had had contact with asbestos many years ago and that has caused them this dreaded cancer. They suffer from various symptoms ranging from mild to severe chest pain, breathlessness, cachexia etc.

The most important aspect is mesothelioma diagnosis. Many doctors may miss the diagnosis in the first place because of its marked similarity with other milder forms of chest pathologies. Once the diagnosis is done, it is dual duty of the physician to ensure psychological and physical well-being of the patent and his relatives. Though exact cure is not yet possible, many treatment options are available those have to be weighed against the possible dangers of their execution. Once the definitive treatment or clinical experimentation is decided, patient’s compliance becomes the most important thing!