Mesothelioma lung cancer is a major disease brought about by being exposed to asbestos. It is said that malignant cells appear in the mesothelium, the sac that acts as a defensive cover for many of the internal organs in the body.
The following facts could help you understand more about the condition called mesothelioma:
* The risk of developing mesothelioma is increased because of the exposure to asbestos. Studies showed that at least 70% of the mesothelioma cases have history of exposure to this construction material. But it does not limit the development of this cancer. Some people may have this disease even without necessarily being exposed to it.
* Symptoms for Mesothelioma lung cancer usually include difficulty in breathing, chest pain that is usually located at back of the rib cage, lumps, swelling or pain in the abdomen and unexplained weight loss.
* Mesothelioma may be diagnosed through certain tests that doctors conduct which includes: physical examination, chest x-ray, CBC or complete blood count, removal of tissue samples for biopsy, bronchoscopy and thoracotomy. There is also an exam that can be performed where a small amount of fluid is taken from either lungs or the abdomen. This test is called the cytologic exam.