3 Risk Factors for Mesothelioma
The early signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can be quite difficult to spot since the disease is so rare and the symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments. Here are three risk factors to keep an eye on.
1. Exposure to Asbestos
Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor. Asbestos is a mineral made up of tiny fibers and it used to be commonly found as insulation material. These fibers are prone to breakage and so small that it's easy to inhale them without noticing. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can damage cells and cause scarring throughout the lungs and airways. There are two main types of mesothelioma as a result. Pleural, which mainly affects lung tissue, and peritoneal mesothelioma affecting the abdomen. Other types exist but are much rarer.
The main victims of asbestos exposure usually encountered it in their workplace, such as construction sites, asbestos manufacturing facilities, or even just in an office with asbestos insulation.
2. Family History
Family history often refers to genetics in terms of cancer risk, but with mesothelioma, it's a little different. Since it's caused by asbestos exposure, the family of the person initially exposed is also at risk. A miner, construction worker, or manufacturer could easily bring home asbestos fibers on his or her clothes without knowing it.
If you or a family member has been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, you can get help from the Mesothelioma Justice Network.
3. Shortness of Breath and Other Early Symptoms
Mesothelioma has several common symptoms, but there are also symptoms specific to the different types of the disease. In general, mesothelioma patients may experience shortness of breath and coughing, unexplained weight loss, and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may also include lumps under the skin of the chest. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include nausea and abdominal pain and swelling.
If your symptoms match mesothelioma, your doctor may order a variety of imaging, tissue, and blood tests. One common test looks for high levels of soluble mesothelin-related peptides and fibulin-3 in the blood. X-rays and CT scans can pick up physical changes in the lungs related to the disease.
Many cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed after someone with related symptoms sees a doctor about them. If you think any signs and symptoms of mesothelioma apply to you, you should talk to your doctor. Even if you don't have mesothelioma, there could be something else going on so it's a good idea to get checked anyway.
