https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMZEADAnmGM Mesothelioma Asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma, when they cause irritation or damage to the lung-lined cells (pleura) and abdominal cavities (peritoneum). The abnormal cells then develop into tumors. The symptoms of mesothelioma may take between 10 to 50 years to be noticed and are often confused with other diseases. An asbestos-related history is the only known risk factor. Pleural Mesothelioma The lungs and the chest wall are affected by pleural melanoma. Patients diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma typically have symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty and coughing. Certain patients also have a fluid buildup between the lung and the chest wall known as a the pleural effusion. Pleural mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers inflame the lung's lining and the chest cavity. As time passes the lining that has been irritated forms tumors that develop into the pleura. The tumors can grow to the peritoneum and bones, as well as to the liver. It can take between 20 and 50 years for a person to develop pleural mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos. People who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace are at greatest risk of developing this disease. Shipyard workers and crews on ships as well as veterans are at risk. It could take a few weeks for a doctor to diagnose pleural asbestosis. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing or coughing, dry chest pain and fatigue. Patients suffering from this condition may also have an unusually low temperature and weight loss. A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma after taking a history of the patient's exposure to asbestos and conducting a physical examination. Chest X-rays or CT scans are commonly performed. These tests can reveal accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity or a tumor that surrounds one of the lung's. The first step in treating pleural msothelioma is to drain the excess fluid. Doctors can do this through a procedure called thoracentesis, which involves