Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease caused by prolonged and unprotected exposure to asbestos, which is a building material. Asbestos is also used to make insulation sheets for the roofs of the buildings. Those who have been associated with working with this material are the victims of this disease. It is thought that if the workers carried asbestos dust with them on their clothes and hair etc. to their homes, those closely associated with them like their family members could also be affected.

Asbestos is a natural mineral, which has been used for centuries as building material. Its deadly effects on human health were probably not known or were mistaken as aging effects because the symptoms are quite general and non-specific in nature. The symptoms do not appear soon after the exposure. It may take decades before the disease develops it self. So the use continued and the workers kept inhaling the fiber till it was noticed during early part of 20th century that death rate among the asbestos workers was higher than the others. Further investigations revealed that it was asbestos that was causing cancer among the workers.

This disease affects the mesothelium, which is the outer lining of lungs, heart and stomach. When lining and surrounding tissues of lungs are affected, it is called Pleural Mesothelioma due to relevance with the organ. Similarly mesothelioma related with heart is called Pericardial Mesothelioma and the one related with peritoneum, which is the lining of stomach is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

In this form of mesothelioma, lungs and respiratory areas are affected. Malignant tumors, shortness of breath, chest pain, fluid accumulating around pleura, hoarseness, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), general muscular weakness without apparent cause, paralysis, swelling of face and weight loss have been commonly found among the sufferers. For treatment, surgery is performed to remove a portion or the whole lung to remove the tumor completely.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

In this form, chest pain, palpitation, persistent cough and shortness of breath have been commonly found. These symptoms are of general nature and do not necessarily point toward mesothelioma. Anyone who may have these symptoms must have a detailed medical check up done for diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Symptoms associated with this type are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, swelling of abdomen, obstruction of bowels, ascites and shortness of breath.

Treatment and Help

For treatment of all types, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are other options in addition to surgical removal of the tumor. Since the surfacing of hazards of working with asbestos, many governments have made laws about using this material. There are organizations at work to help the sufferers and their families, and mesothelioma lawyers and attorneys to provide legal advice and support to the affected persons.