Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
There are no specific symptoms of mesothelioma in the beginning. Also, when these symptoms appear, most people usually ignore them or treat them lightly. This is because early symptoms of mesothelioma include shortness of breath and persistent cough which are common symptoms of other diseases like cold and flu too.
These similarities can sometimes lead to a delay in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Often patients of mesothelioma have symptoms for more than 2 or 3 months before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms as only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. The early symptoms of mesothelioma can be too general to be accurately diagnosed.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
These symptoms are caused by a buildup of tumor tissue in the pleural space that prevents the lung from expanding properly. As this cancer progresses, patients may lose weight and have a dry, hacking cough. Early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are similar to pneumonia as it cause of shortness of breath, known as “dyspnea”, pain and fever.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble swallowing
- Cough
- Fever
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
In severe cases of pleural mesothelioma, the patient may have several tumor masses, and may develop a pneumothorax or lung collapse. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
In abdominal cavity, fluid accumulation may occur due to presence of tumor, which causes stomach swelling, pain and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Belly pain
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extended abdomen
In later stages of peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can also develop bowel obstruction or problem in breathing due to expansion of tumor, fluid in the abdominal cavity. Other symptoms may include blood clotting abnormalities, anemia (a lowered red blood cell count). Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until later stage of mesothelioma.
Similar symptoms can also be caused by other minor ailments; this is why it is necessary to seek professional help if you feel that you have mesothelioma. If you are a middle-aged man with prior exposure to any asbestos related environments, it is important that you seek medical help if you suffer from these symptoms.
In severe case of mesothelioma, the following symptoms may be present:
- blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
- disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
- jaundice or yellowing of the eyes and skin
- low blood sugar level
- pleural effusion
- pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
- severe ascites
Malignant mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain or adrenal glands. Mesothelioma symptoms usually occur 30 to 50 years after an individual is exposed to asbestos. At first these symptoms seem very harmless but they can soon develop into a more dangerous problem.
Mentioned above are the general symptoms of mesothelioma. If you think you have any of these signs and symptoms, you should contact a doctor immediately. Only a qualified doctor can diagnose mesothelioma with help of proper tests. |
