Mesothelioma Symptoms
 

Mesothelioma Symptoms

  
 

Mesothelioma, is mainly caused by long-term and high-level exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers. Asbestos exposure may also lead to various other clinical disabilities including respiratory problems and scarring of the lungs.
Mesothelioma is one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose. The reason is due to the fact that,
  1. symptoms may present several decades after asbestos exposure (it may take from 10 to 40 years or more) and
  2. even when the symptoms appear they are so non specific that most of the doctors will miss the diagnosis

Symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the part of the body affected.

Pleural mesothelioma:

Is the most common form of mesothelioma found. Lining of the lung and chest cavity and the lung itself is affected. Most of the symptoms are caused by accumulation of fluid between lung and the chest cavity.
Symptoms related to the lung include:

  1. difficulty in breathing
  2. difficulty in swallowing
  3. shortness of breath
  4. coughing up blood
  5. persistent coughing
  6. unusual swelling under the skin on your chest

Other non specific symptoms include:

  1. fever
  2. facial swelling
  3. weight loss

Metastasis of the cancer may cause pain in the ribs and the chest area.

  
 


Peritoneal mesothelioma:

Is the second most common form of mesothelioma, where it can be seen in around 10% of the patients.
Symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  1. abdominal pain and weakness
  2. weight loss
  3. nausea
  4. loss off appetite
  5. abdominal swelling
  6. bowel obstruction

Other non specific symptoms include:

  1. anaemia
  2. fever
  3. blood clotting abnormalities
  4. breathing problems
  5. chest pain

When the cancer is metastasized throughout the peritoneal cavity it is known as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma:

Is a rare form of mesothelioma. A patient may present with some of the below mentioned symptoms:

  1. chest pain
  2. shortness of breath
  3. trouble breathing
  4. persistent coughing
  5. palpitations.

Since most of these symptoms are non specific, a person who has been exposed to asbestos in the past must consult a doctor if any of these symptoms appear. The doctor must also be informed about the history of asbestos exposure in order to help him/her to make an accurate diagnosis.
     
Home | Symptoms | Causes | Law | Lawyer
DISCLAIMER: All information provided on this website is for informational purpose only and cannot be understood as a medical opinion or advice of any sought or kind. Please consult your doctor for medical opinion.
All Right Reserved, Copyright © 2009 ohmesothelioma.com