Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma Symptoms
A patient with mesothelioma often demonstrates symptoms 15 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. The cancer may take decades to develop in the body and symptoms do not arise until after the cancer is present. Many patients are unaware of the severity of their condition since mesothelioma symptoms typically resemble symptoms of less serious illnesses.What if I have Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, the leading cause of mesothelioma, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Informing your doctor of previous asbestos exposure can alert them to the possibility of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.Also, in the interest of early detection, those who were exposed but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest X-rays or pulmonary function tests to monitor any adverse affects of asbestos inhalation.
When a doctor informs a patient of a mesothelioma diagnosis, patients and their loved ones are often very confused since the cancer is relatively unknown. Asbestos.com provides a complimentary packet with comprehensive information about mesothelioma symptoms and next-step guidance following a diagnosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer, comprising approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma cases.- Persistent dry or raspy cough (typically non-productive, meaning there is little or no phlegm)
- Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
- Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
- Night sweats or fever
- Unexplained weight loss of 10 percent or more
- Fatigue
- Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that occurs even when at rest
- The appearance of lumps under the skin on the chest
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 25 to 30 percent of mesothelioma diagnoses and symptoms may include:- Night sweats or fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling or pain in the abdomen
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation (in general, any change in bowel habits or regularity)
- Nausea or vomiting
- The appearance of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for less than 5 percent of all mesothelioma. Symptoms are caused by thickening of the pericardial membrane and fluid buildup. Known symptoms include:- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing, even when resting (dyspnea)
- Fever or night sweats
- Generalized fatigue
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer, as less than 100 cases of testicular mesothelioma have been recorded in the last 60 years. With so few cases recorded, very little is known about the symptoms of this disease. The only known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the appearance of testicular lumps, and the lumps may or may not be painful.Sources:
- http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/patient
- Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
- http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/mesothelioma/DS00779/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print
- http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_are_the_key_statistics_for_ malignant_ mesothelioma_29.asp?sitearea
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