Mesothelioma Symptoms

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

Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should make an appointment with their doctors to screen for asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma does not represent the early symptoms, individuals who were in contact with asbestos should inform their physician about the exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure, but not exhibiting symptoms should receive a chest x-ray or pulmonary function tests to screen for any indication of asbestos-related diseases.

The most common form of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include persistent dry cough or raspy, difficulty swallowing, cough that produces blood, painful breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain or rib, night sweats / fever, unexplained weight loss. Fatigue and lumps under the skin of the chest were also reported in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can occur as a result of thickening of the pleura, which is caused by a buildup of fluid between the membrane layers. Pleural thickening and fluid buildup can put pressure on the lungs, causing problems with respiratory function.

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

the least common form of mesothelioma, mesothelioma develops in the pericardial sac around the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms include palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, respiratory problems, fever and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by fluid buildup and thickening of the pericardial membrane. Since pericardial mesothelioma is a rare, your list of symptoms is not as comprehensive as other forms of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and usually has a poor prognosis.

Individuals experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma to seek medical attention immediately. Although mesothelioma symptoms divided by the number of less serious illnesses, it is important to get as accurate a diagnosis as soon as possible. Although the overall prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, patients are diagnosed at earlier stages tend to have better prospects.