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Overview
Mesothelioma, also called malignant mesothelioma, is a form of cancer that occurs in the lungs or the tissues surrounding the lungs. It is a relatively rare form of cancer: The American Cancer Society estimates that there are 2,000 to 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma each year. Mesothelioma nearly always occurs in individuals who are exposed to asbestos. The greater the number of exposures, the greater the risk of mesothelioma, although not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. The risk of mesothelioma is five times higher in men than women, and increases with age.
Mesothelioma occurs in or around the lungs
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Step 1
Examine your work history to determine the possibility of potential exposure to asbestos. Asbestos exposure can include washing the clothing of someone who has worked with asbestos, or working in an office building with asbestos insulation. -
Step 2
Talk to a physician about any asbestos exposure to determine if screening or diagnostic tests are warranted. -
Step 3
Report all unusual symptoms to a physician immediately if there has been asbestos exposure at any point in time. Typically, the symptoms of mesothelioma appear 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. These symptoms may be subtle at first, and could include lower back pain, pain in the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. -
Step 4
Obtain any diagnostic tests ordered by a physician. These tests may include blood work, a chest X-ray, a biopsy or a bronchoscope. -
Step 5
Follow up with the physician's office to ensure that all test results have been reported.
- Skill: Moderate
- Ingredients:
- none
- Tip: If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation at (877) 363-6376 to speak with a mesothelioma specialist who can provide information on and resources for dealing with the illness.
- Tip: Mesothelioma patients may be eligible for special grants to cover the cost of seeing a specialist. Visit the Mesothelioma Foundation website (see Resources) or call to speak with a specialist.
- Warning:
- Beware of lawyers seeking out mesothelioma cases. Contact a nonprofit foundation for a legal referral if necessary.
- Although individuals working directly with asbestos, such as those in the mechanical and construction industries, are more likely to develop mesothelioma, anyone may have been exposed to asbestos via home or office insulation. Symptoms of mesothelioma should always be evaluated by a physician.
