Main Causes of Mesothelioma:
Asbestos exposure is the primary risk factor for mesothelioma. It accounts for up to 80 percent of all cases. Living with someone who works with asbestos may also increase an individual’s risk for developing mesothelioma because asbestos particles can travel on skin and clothing.
Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, which forms on the soft tissue lining the lungs, include:
* Chest pain.
* Shortness of breath.
* Dry cough.
* Fatigue.
* Hoarseness.
* Difficulty swallowing.
* Reduced chest expansion (difficulty breathing)
* Unexplained weight loss.
How to Diagnose:
X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are helpful diagnostic tools for detecting mesothelioma. Chest x-rays can show abnormalities in 2D that can indicate the presence of tumors. CT scans’ advanced imaging offer much greater details and MRIs can help locate tumors significantly earlier than other scans.