It has been directly linked to asbestos exposure and will often occur up to 15- 30 years after exposure. Cigarette smokers who have also been exposed to asbestos have an increased risk for the development of lung cancer but not necessarily Mesothelioma. Spouses and children of people who worked with asbestos are also at risk if they were exposed to the asbestos fibers on their clothes or in their hair. It is estimated that about 8 million Americans have been exposed to asbestos. There are about 2,000 North Americans diagnosed with Mesothelioma each year.
Symptoms are similar to that of lung cancer.
Patients with mesothelioma often have increasing shortness of breath because of the development of fluid around the affected lung. They may also experience pain if the tumor has spread into the rib cage, nerves or heart. Other symptoms that indicate pressure, such as swallowing difficulties, may also be experienced. Mesothelioma usually spreads by direct extension of the tumor into the surrounding area of the chest and does not ordinarily spread to distant organs. Diagnosis is usually obtained by combining a careful assessment of clinical and radiological features with a tissue specimen examination.