Symptoms of Mesothelioma - Health - Cancer

Mesothelioma typically has a long latency period. In other words, many years may pass between asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma. In fact,mesothelioma patients typically do not manifest symptoms until several decades after the initial exposure to asbestos. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of less serious diseases, many patients who develop asbestos cancer are unaware of their potentially life-threatening disease.

People with a history of asbestos exposure should schedule an appointment with their physicians to screen for asbestos-related cancers. Because mesothelioma does not present early symptoms, individuals who were in contact with asbestos should inform their doctor of their exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure but are not exhibiting symptoms should receive lung function tests and chest x-rays to screen for any signs of asbestos-related diseases.

Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, develops in the lining of the lungs. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following: painful breathing; persistent dry or raspy cough; night sweats/fever; trouble swallowing; cough that produces blood; shortness of breath; unexplained weight loss; and chest or rib pain. Fatigue and lumps under the skin of the chest have also been reported in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Many pleural mesothelioma symptoms occur as a result of pleural thickening, which is caused by fluid buildup between membrane layers. Pleural thickening and fluid buildup can put pressure on the lungs, resulting in breathing difficulties.

The least common form of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain, heart palpitations, trouble breathing, fever and night sweats and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by the thickening of the pericardial membrane and fluid build up. Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare disease. Therefore, its list of symptoms is not as comprehensive as other forms of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and typically carries a poor prognosis.

Making up 30% of all mesothelioma cases, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include lumps under the skin of the abdomen, swelling or pain in the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, nausea and vomiting and fatigue. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also cause a change in bowel habits, night sweats, fever and anemia. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma develop due to the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and fluid buildup between the membrane layers. This can put pressure on the abdomen and its organs, causing the patient to experience peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms.

Those experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma should see their doctors immediately. Although mesothelioma shares symptoms with a number of less serious illnesses, it's important to receive a firm diagnosis as soon as possible. Although the outlook for mesothelioma is poor, patients who receive early diagnoses typically have better prognoses.

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