Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. There are two types of mesothelioma
cancer:
- pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the pleura)
- peritonal mesothelioma (cancer of the peritoneum)
Like most cancers, mesothelioma generally will only develop many years after the person's first
exposure to asbestos. In fact, in some people the cancer may form 30 years or more after the victim's
first exposure. If you have been exposed to harmful amounts of asbestos, you may not show any symptoms
of mesothelioma cancer for 20 years or longer.
Some people will develop the cancer as a result of being around a worker's clothing that is contaminated
with asbestos fibers. This commonly occurs among family members of a person who works around asbestos
in their job.
If you are experiencing any health problems that may be attributed to asbestos exposure, you should
inform your physician immediately. Early diagnosis is critical to treatment of the cancer. |