Working with asbestos is primary cause of mesothelioma - only 20% to 30% of reported cases occur in people who have no known history of exposure to asbestos.

There is some evidence that family members and close acquaintances of those who've worked with asbestos are themselves at greater risk than population at large of developing malignant mesothelioma.

The symptoms of mesothelioma may not develop until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain, weight loss, abdominal pain and swelling of abdomen, bowel obstruction leading to constipation, problematic blood-clotting, anemia and fever. If malignant mesothelioma has spread beyond mesothelium, pain may be experienced in these other body parts and there may be swelling e.g. in neck or face leading to trouble swallowing.

It must be stressed that all of above symptoms can have causes other than malignant mesothelioma. It is important that a properly-qualified medical doctor be consulted, because only a doctor can provide a diagnosis.

Chemotherapy is use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout body. Most drugs used to treat mesothelioma are given by injection into a vein (intravenous, or IV). Doctors are also studying effectiveness of putting chemotherapy directly into chest or abdomen (intracavitary chemotherapy).

To relieve symptoms and control pain, doctor may use a needle or a thin tube to drain fluid that has built up in chest or abdomen. The procedure for removing fluid from chest is called thoracentesis. Removal of fluid from abdomen is called paracentesis. Drugs may be given through a tube in chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms.