Mesothelioma Symptoms

A victim of mesothelioma often develop symptoms 15 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos. This cancer may take decades to develop in the body and symptoms do not become evident until after the cancer is present. Many victims are unaware of the severeness of their condition as mesothelioma symptoms resemble symptoms of less serious illnesses.

If you have a history of being exposed to mesothelioma, which is the main caused of mesothelioma, it ishighly recommended 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. Early detection of the disease is vital to curtailing the and possibly curing mesothelioma.

Early Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, mesothelioma does not have any early symptoms, which explains the why the disease is commonly diagnosed at a late stage of development. As a necessary precaution, those who were had asbestos exposure but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest X-rays and or pulmonary function tests to monitor any adverse changes resultion from exposure to asbestos and inhalation.

Most patients after being informed of having mesothelioma, become confused as the disease is very rare and not much is know by most victims with regards to mesothelioma. However, there are guides that will help you to better understand your options along with providing you with insightful information.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the malignant cancer caused by asbestos, making up approximately two-thirds of all mesothelioma cases.

Known symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

Continuous dry or raspy cough (typically non-productive, meaning there is little or no phlegm)

Coughing up blood or medically referred to as hemoptysis

Difficulty 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

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma often occur as a result of thickening of the pleural membrane, due to the rapid production of cancerous cells which leads to the buildup of fluid between membrane layers. Tissue thickening and fluid buildup causes pressure on the lungs, leading to deteriorating respiratory function.

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

These symptoms are caused due to similar problems like that of plueral mesotheioma explained above.

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

Severe Chest pain

Difficulty breathing, even when resting

Fever or night sweats


Pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that the recognized body of symptoms is not as well-developed as with more common types of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is particularly difficult type of mesothelioma to diagnose, and this correlates to a poor prognosis among pericardial mesothelioma patients.

Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms

Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer, and there as been less than 100 cases of testicular mesothelioma 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. This is a very rare and hard to diagnose form of mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbsestos the best adivce would be to have regular check-ups with your primary care pyhsician if you have any have any signs of mesothelioma symptoms.