mesothelioma symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms appear decades after exposure to asbestos has taken place. Mesothelioma cannot be conclusively diagnosed from observation of its symptoms alone because the cancer has symptoms that are common to other illnesses. Additionally, different types of mesothelioma have different symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, or the lining of the lungs. It is the most common form of mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are chest pain, difficulty with breathing, difficulty with swallowing, coughing of blood and night sweats.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen. Its symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, swelling of the abdomen, abdominal pain and formation of lumps of tissue in the abdomen.
Pericardial mesothelioma is found in the tissue surrounding the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, found in about 5% of mesothelioma cases. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are chest pain, irregular heart beat, fever and difficulty with breathing.
Testicular mesothelioma, or mesothelioma of Tunica Vaginalis develops in the tissue surrounding the testicles. The symptom of this type of mesothelioma is the presence of a mass on the testicle. Because this type of mesothelioma is the rarest type of the cancer, information concerning its symptoms is limited.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms described above should take heart that mesothelioma is a rare cancer afflicting about 3,000 people in the US each year. Thus, it is likely that the symptoms are indicative of a condition or illness less serious than mesothelioma. However, no conclusion should be reached without the guidance of a healthcare professional.
It is especially important for people who worked with asbestos containing products or lived with anyone who did, to seek medical attention if they are experiencing the symptoms of mesothelioma. Unfortunately, asbestos was used in a wide range of products such as brakes, roofing shingles, electrical wiring and insulation material. Consequently, workers such as mechanics, construction workers, boiler workers, electricians and others who worked with asbestos products are at risk of developing mesothelioma. Further, people who lived with asbestos industry workers are also at risk of developing the cancer from secondary asbestos exposure e.g., washing the asbestos contaminated clothes of someone who worked with asbestos.
People suffering from mesothelioma should consider contacting an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. Companies in the asbestos industry knew of the lethal dangers of asbestos but did not disclose them to maintain profitability. For the same reason, companies did not provide protective equipment that could have prevented exposure to asbestos. Therefore, the law allows mesothelioma patients to file legal claims against companies responsible for their exposure to asbestos.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting disorders, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:
* Chest Wall Pain
* Pleura effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
* Shortness of breath
* Fatigue or anemia
* Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
* Blood in the sputum (fluid), cough (hemoptysis)
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. Individuals may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. This disease can spread, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at the final stage. Symptoms include:
* Abdominal pain
* Ascites, or abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
* Mass in abdomen
* Problems with intestinal function
* Weight loss
In severe cases of disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:
* Blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
* The spread intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
* Yellowing of the eyes and skin, or jaundice
* Low blood sugar levels
* Pleura effusion
