Anything that increases the risk of contracting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean they will suffer from cancer, not having risk factors does not mean that you will suffer from cancer. People who think they are at risk should discuss with your doctor.

Many people with malignant mesothelioma have worked or lived in places where they inhaled or swallowed asbestos. After exposure to asbestos, it usually takes a long time until it manifests malignant mesothelioma. Other risk factors for malignant mesothelioma include:

• Living with a person who works near asbestos.
• Being exposed to certain viruses.

Possible signs of malignant mesothelioma include shortness of breath and pain under the rib cage.

Sometimes the cancer causes fluid to collect around the lung or abdomen. These symptoms may be caused by the fluid or malignant mesothelioma. Other disorders can cause similar symptoms. Call your doctor if any of the following problems:

• Shortness of breath.
• Pain below the rib cage.
• Pain in the abdomen or inflammation.
• Lumps in the abdomen.
• Weight loss for no known reason.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is typically based on these symptoms and the results of a further physical examination. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRI scans are commonly used for diagnosis, and also help determine an appropriate treatment plan, because these procedures show whether the cancer has spread from its point of origin.

The diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy needle, tissue biopsy, or both. During a needle biopsy, fluid is removed from the area and then analyzed for the presence of cancer cells. A biopsy of tissue generally involves a relatively noninvasive surgical procedure called laparoscopy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the affected area to be analyzed for the presence of malignant cells.

Treatment

Due to the nature of mesothelioma, it’s common that a diagnosis is not made until the cancer has progressed to a stage where curative treatment is not possible. Most treatments for pleural mesothelioma are palliative and are made to encourage the symptoms and improve quality of life for patients. Treatment options are limited to conventional surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. In cases where curative surgery is attempted, the patient must be healthy not to have cancer, and disease should not have spread beyond its point of origin. In such cases, part or all of a lung may be removed.