Malignant Mesothelioma

What Causes Malignant Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is known only to be caused by asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a natural, yet toxic, mineral that was frequently used across a wide variety of industries. Microscopic asbestos fibers enter the body via the lungs or by means of ingestion. Once inside the human body, the durable asbestos fibers are unable to be broken down or expelled, resulting in a harmful inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium. This scarring lays the groundwork for malignant mesothelioma and other respiratory conditions, such as asbestosis.

There is a great deal of latency associated with asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma. Patients often will not present with mesothelioma symptoms until 30-50 years following their exposure to asbestos. In many cases, those diagnosed with mesothelioma are not those who were directly exposed to asbestos in a jobsite setting. Spouses and children of those exposed to asbestos who frequently came into contact with the fibers on the clothing or person of those exposed have also developed malignant mesothelioma as a result.

Signs and symptoms of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.

Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect in the chest or in the abdomen. Signs and symptoms may be caused by the fluid, malignant mesothelioma, or other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

1. Trouble breathing.
2. Cough.
3. Pain under the rib cage.
4. Pain or swelling in the abdomen.
5. Lumps in the abdomen.
6. Constipation.
7. Problems with blood clots (clots form when they shouldn’t).
8. Weight loss for no known reason.
9. Feeling very tired.