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Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the protective covering or sac around the internal organs of the human body; in particular the lungs, heart and stomach are affected. It is a relatively rare form of cancer almost always caused as a result of excessive exposure to asbestos where an individual has experienced inhalation of the tiny asbestos particles over a continuous period of time.

Symptoms of mesothelioma generally present themselves a considerably long time after initial exposure and in most cases this tends to be around the 30 to 50 year mark. The most common signs of mesothelioma include shortness of breath caused by a build up of fluid between the lungs, weight loss, chest pain and abdominal swelling. Other symptoms may include constipation, anaemia, blood clotting and fever.

The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to many other health conditions which often making diagnosis difficult. In order to determine correct diagnosis, it must first be established if the patient has had prolonged exposure to asbestos. In the next instance chest X rays and a CT scan must then be performed followed by a biopsy of a tissue sample.

Following diagnosis staging of the disease can then be determined by an oncologist and this will make a difference as to whether or not further tests are required. Treatment of mesothelioma does not carry a good prognosis since the disease itself is usually at an advanced stage upon diagnosis. Treatments for mesothelioma include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.