|
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Often times, the early symptoms of mesothelioma go untreated because of their seemingly non-threatening effects. Early symptoms are similar to those of the flu, pneumonia or bronchitis, and in some rare cases no symptoms are experienced. Generally, individuals experiencing symptoms often go from two to six months before seeking medical attention. This is in large part due to the innocuous nature of asbestos fibers, as well as the relative general symptoms and long latency period of mesothelioma. With symptoms sometimes taking years to be identified, such delay is detrimental to a proper diagnosis and treatment efforts.
The symptoms that become evident depend largely on the cancer's location. For victims suffering from pleural and pericardial mesothelioma, chest pains, fatigue and shortness of breath are often the first signs of a more serious health problem. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma often also experience these symptoms, but the pain is more localized in the abdominal region.
Each of these types of mesothelioma differs based primarily on their location.
For victims suffering from pleural mesothelioma, pain often occurs in the side of the chest or lower back as a result of the cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. For this type of mesothelioma, shortness of breath and substantial pain stems from a tumor building in the lining of the lungs and restricting blood flow. Further symptoms related to pleural mesothelioma include, but aren't limited to:
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Fatigue
- Weight Loss
- Progressive Loss of Appetite
- Pleural Effusions: Fluid in the Chest Cavity
- Fever
- Pain
- Difficulty sleeping
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
- Weakness
- Coughing Blood
- Sensory Loss
If you or a loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms, consult with a physician as soon as possible, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos. For a proper diagnosis, it is essential to tell your doctor all of your symptoms, as they are pertinent to your diagnosis and proper treatment.
Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma also suffer from many of the same symptoms as pleural mesothelioma victims, with some differing results. Stemming from the inhalation and swallowing of asbestos fibers, peritoneal mesothelioma affects the membrane around the abdominal cavity. Symptoms often include severe abdominal pain and swelling as a result of the fluid in the abdomen. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:
- Wight loss
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Belly pain
- Hernia
- Swelling: Abdomen, Neck, Face
- General Pain
- Difficulty Swallowing
- Blood Clotting
- Anemia
- Bowel Obstruction
- Fever
|
|
