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Mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) is a dangeorus and deadly disease in which cells of the mesothelium become abnormal and divide without control or order. Most cases of mesothelioma cancer begin in the pleura or peritoneum. Cancer cells can also metastasize (spread) from their original site to other parts of the body. They can invade and damage nearby tissues and organs. Although reported incidence rates have increased in the past 20 years, mesothelioma cancer is still a relatively rare cancer. Mesothelioma cancer occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but this disease can appear in either men or women at any age. There's about 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed in the United States each year. The major risk factor for mesothelioma cancer is working with asbestos. A history of asbestos exposure at work is reported in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases. However, mesothelioma has been reported in some individuals without any known exposure to asbestos. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer was later found among people who work in asbestos mines and mills, workers in the heating and construction industries, shipyard workers, producers of asbestos products, and other tradespeople. The risk of asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time. However, some individuals with only brief exposures have developed mesothelioma cancer. There is some evidence that family members and others living with asbestos workers have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma cancer, and possibly other asbestos-related diseases. On the other hand, not all workers who are heavily exposed develop asbestos-related diseases. This risk may be the result of exposure to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing and hair of asbestos workers. Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Pain in the chest an shortness of breath due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, weight loss and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include blood clotting abnormalities, bowel obstruction, fever, and anemia. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include trouble swallowing, pain, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. It is important to see a doctor about any of these cancer symptoms.
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