Mesothelioma- getting to know the Symptoms

Mesothelioma typically has a long latency period, which means it will be many years between exposure to asbestos and the development of the disease. In fact, mesothelioma patients often do not produce symptoms until several decades after initial asbestos exposure. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of less serious illnesses, many patients who develop asbestos cancer are unaware of their potentially dangerous condition for life.

Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should schedule an appointment with their doctors to detect asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma has no early symptoms, people who had contact with asbestos should inform their doctor of their exposure. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure but no symptoms should receive chest radiographs or pulmonary function tests for any signs 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 cough or hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, cough that produces blood, painful breathing, shortness of breath, chest or rib pain, night sweats, fever, and unexplained weight loss. Fatigue and lumps under the skin of the breast have also been reported in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Many of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma occur as a result of pleural thickening, which is caused by the accumulation of fluid between the layers of the membrane. pleural thickening and accumulation of fluid can cause pressure on the lungs, causing problems with breathing.

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

The less common form of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the sac surrounding the heart. Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms include palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, fever and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by fluid buildup and thickening of the pericardial membrane. Because it is rare pericardial mesothelioma, the list of symptoms is not as complete as other forms of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and usually has a poor prognosis.

People who experience symptoms of mesothelioma should seek medical attention immediately. Although mesothelioma shares symptoms with a number of less serious illness, it is important to be diagnosed as soon as possible. Although the general prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, patients diagnosed in the early stages often have a better prognosis.