Symptoms

Mesothelioma

Patients experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, and fluid in the lungs or abdomen should be checked for mesothelioma.

Chest x-ray and biopsy will determine signs and symptoms of mesothelioma.

Risk factors include the following:

• Asbestos product manufacturers.
• Persons exposed to asbestos fibers, even for just months.
• Miners in contact with Asbestos.
• Workers installing plumbing, boilers, or heating equipment.
• Workers who work near the products, and not with it.
• Insulation, heating, and construction workers.
• Families that live near mines that produce asbestos. These families may also be suffering of asbestosis as well as mesothelioma.

Individuals at a higher risk include the following:

• Demolition workers and individuals who repair buildings containing asbestos.
• Families of asbestos workers. Fibers can be brought home into the home through hair or clothing.
• Smoking may increase lung cancer in asbestos workers, but will not raise the risk for mesothelioma.