I developed a cough in late 1999. I have been to the doctors about 6 times since for chest pains and shortness of breath. They say stress test indicates my heart is fine. I remember in 1983 I was involved in an asbestos tear out on a 1941 ship. I have been coughing mucous occasionally for the last couple of years. Could it be mesothelioma?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your situation and problem. Asbestos exposure is related to chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis and mesothelioma. The chances of mesothelioma are very, very rare. And all three give similar symptoms like chronic cough and shortness of breath. So better to get done1. Chest x ray2. CT thorax3. PUT (pulmonary function test). Chest x-ray and CT thorax are needed to rule out tuberculosis and mesothelioma. If both are normal than no need to worry about mesothelioma and TB. In my opinion you are having chronic bronchitis mostly. Because it is more common after asbestos exposure. So PFT is needed to rule out chronic bronchitis. Better to consult pulmonologist and discuss all these possibilities and start treatment accordingly. More chances of chronic bronchitis than mesothelioma.