Medical Resources to Combat Mesothelioma Lung Cancer

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

In many mesothelioma cases, early symptoms are so general that many do not see a reason to consult a physician. In other cases, early symptoms may not manifest at all. Mesothelioma usually remains undiagnosed or missed for an average of two to three months and can sometimes remain undiagnosed for up to six months.

It is important to seek proper medical care for any symptoms related to mesothelioma. The longer a person waits without a diagnosis and proper treatment, the more time the cancer has to spread.

Mesothelioma can form after recent asbestos exposure or decades later. If you know you have been exposed to asbestos, seek medical screenings regularly. Your doctor can conduct a physical exam and screening of your lungs, which can allow you to catch mesothelioma before it has time to spread.

When early symptoms of mesothelioma are present, they usually manifest as breathlessness or shortness of breath. In addition, an individual may also experience an uncomfortable feeling in the chest. Approximately 90% percent of mesothelioma patients will only exhibit these two symptoms.

These symptoms can be attributed to pleural effusion, which is a build-up of fluid in the lungs. If you are experiencing breathlessness and heaviness within the chest, see your doctor immediately.

Mesothelioma most commonly forms in the lungs or chest cavity. This form of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. Cancer can also form in the abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms of mesothelioma can differ depending on the location of the tumor, though many overlapping symptoms can be experienced. Mesothelioma can also develop around the heart, though it is rare.

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:

• frontal and side chest pain,
• back pain,
• shortness of breath,
• difficulty swallowing,
• a cough that will not go away,
• fever,
• fatigue, and
• unexplained weight loss.

Often additional symptoms will be noticed such as muscle weakness, coughing up of blood, nausea, facial and arm swelling, and a hoarseness in the voice.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

• abdominal pain and swelling,
• swelling of the feet,
• unexplained weight loss,
• nausea and vomiting,
• lower back pain,
• bowel obstruction,
• anemia and
• shortness of breath.

The abdominal mass may also affect the liver. Because this organ controls bleeding, blood-clotting abnormalities may be experienced. In addition, peritoneal mesothelioma patients may experience extreme fatigue and muscle weakness.

Though some patients may experience these symptoms in the early stages of mesothelioma, many of these symptoms do not manifest until later stages. Some patients only have one or two of these symptoms. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have any of the above symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

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