Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be indistinguishable at first. Because mesothelioma has been publicized only recently, doctors can have difficulty in diagnosing it based on reported symptoms. What might at first seem like a simple viral pneumonia can soon blossom into more dangerous and ongoing problems. However, at first, mesothelioma can have no indications whatsoever, as a silent disease that spreads first before causing damage to the surrounding organs. It is usually after the disease has progressed that symptoms occur.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma, the disease that affects the lining of the lungs, will usually begin with the pneumonia-like symptoms. Here are some of the first symptoms of pleural mesothelioma:
- Ongoing shortness of breath
- Pain in the side of the chest or in the back
- A persistent cough that does not resolve or worsens with time
- Fevers that may or may not be accompanied by sweats
- Weight loss not associated with a change in diet
- A raspy or hoarse voice
- Swallowing difficulties
- Pleural effusions (fluid retention between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity)
As you can see, many of these symptoms are general and can accompany several different unrelated illnesses. Unfortunately, because of this, in many cases mesothelioma can remain undiagnosed for some period of time. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms and may have had asbestos exposure in the past, it�s imperative to seek medical care immediately to discuss the possibility of mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma differ quite a bit, since this type of cancer affects the organs in the abdominal cavity. Usually, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos that has been swallowed, either through direct ingestion of asbestos or coughing up the fibers and then swallowing them.
Organs that are usually involved with peritoneal mesothelioma are the liver, spleen, and bowel. Thus, the signs of peritoneal mesothelioma can often mimic that of other bowel diseases. The early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include, but are not limited to:
- Ongoing constipation or diarrhea
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss in places other than the abdomen, where waist size may even increase
- Fever with or without sweats
- Unresolved pain in the abdomen or stomach
- Anemia
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The last type of the disease, pericardial mesothelioma, affects the lining of the heart. This is a very rare occurrence, and the symptoms can include chest pain, cough, palpitations, and/or dyspnea.
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