A mesothelioma diagnosis is almost always preceded by exposure to asbestos, a dangerous material that has been linked to cancer.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the thin lining surrounding internal organs. A mesothelioma diagnosis usually involves numerous tumors along this lining and the condition is usually fatal.

There are several different types of mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma, and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis.

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of this type of cancer and affects the pleura (the thin tissue surrounding the lungs). This condition is different from lung cancer because it affects the lining of the organs whereas lung cancer affects the lung tissue. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include chest pain, painful coughing, shortness of breath, unusual lumps, and unexplained weight loss.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, nausea, and unexplained weight loss.

Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include breathing difficulty and chest pains. This variety of mesothelioma is very rare compared to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis is an even more rare variety of this cancer and affects the tissues surrounding the testicles.

Although mesothelioma has been linked with radiation treatment to the chest, the most common cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. According to the American Cancer Society, 8 out of 10 individuals with mesothelioma had been previously exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos is a silicate mineral that forms in thin, fibrous crystals. These crystals can be pulled into fibers which were previously used in many industrial materials including brake parts, insulation, and more. These fibers were widely used because they are naturally resistant to fire, electricity, and chemical corrosion.

Although asbestos fibers made for useful industrial materials, it was revealed that the mineral is a carcinogen – meaning that it causes cancer. Asbestos has been repeatedly associated with lung cancer and mesothelioma, along with other respiratory issues.

When asbestos-containing products are cut or otherwise disturbed, they release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Dispersed fibers can then be inhaled, swallowed, or transported to other locations on clothing. Once inside the body, asbestos fibers can wreak havoc on a cellular level – increasing the chance of cellular mutations that lead to cancer. Due to these dangers, asbestos was banned in most applications.

Now, abating asbestos requires strict procedures including the use of respiratory protection, plastic suits, and other safety procedures that reduce the risk of asbestos exposure. These procedures also aim to reduce the chance of second-hand exposure caused by workers bringing home asbestos fibers on their clothes.

Individuals who have recently received a mesothelioma diagnosis may want to review their past for any potential cases of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, so the cancer may not show up until around 30 years after exposure. If someone was exposed to asbestos through their job or at other times in their life, they may be able to seek compensation from the responsible parties.