How is mesothelioma different from lung cancer?
While both forms of cancer can be caused by exposure to asbestos, Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which affects the mesothelium, which is the cellular lining of major organs. It shows up in the lungs, the heart, the area around the heart, and the linings of the abdominal cavity. While industrial, construction, and railroad workers were commonly exposed to asbestos, and thus the most likely to be diagnosed with mesothelioma, family members and people sharing a household with a worker who has been exposed to asbestos have also been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Symptoms include: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, hoarseness, fatigue, weight loss, and coughing up blood. Diagnosis can be difficult because it shares symptoms with many other disorders. Various tests can be used to diagnose mesothelioma, such as an X-ray, CT scan, and biopsy.
