Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer that is directly related to asbestos. Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelium which is the lining that encapsules many of the bodys organs but is the most common in the lungs and chest cavity.
Mesothelioma is hard to detect because you may not have symptoms for many decades after you are exposed to asbestos. Some of the common symptoms are shortness of breath, fluid surrounding the lungs, fatigue, and a harsh cough that may have blood in it.
Mesothelioma also has symptoms similar to a myriad of other conditions such as Tuberculosis and other types of lung cancer. The only way to be sure is to have X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs performed.
Luckily, the odds of developing mesothelioma now are pretty rare as measures are being taken by most federal and state programs that make sure asbestos isnt used in common building materials and older buildings are being thoroughly checked and rebuilt if necessary. Asbestos commonly was wrapped around water pipes in old buildings and used in ceilings.
Though it is naturally occurring, asbestos is relatively hard to just stumble upon. It was used in concrete, brake pads, and in...