Top 15 Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The Top 15 Symptoms of Mesothelioma . Furthermore, Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused due to exposure to asbestos. While there are several types of mesothelioma , it is most commonly found in the lining of the lungs and abdomen . In most patients, mesothelioma is detected only when it reaches an advanced stage. Why? This is because severe mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 10-15 years to appear. Until that time, the patient does not have any unusual cancer-related symptoms.

Early stage symptoms such as colds, coughing and fatigue are so common and associated with so many other bodily disorders that they are rarely taken as symptoms of mesothelioma . This is what makes the prognosis of patients with mesothelioma so poor.

Before talking more about mesothelioma symptoms , it is important to know the different types of mesothelioma as certain symptoms are specific to each type of cancer.

There are Five Types of Mesothelioma:

• Pleural mesothelioma: develops in the lining of the lungs
• Peritoneal mesothelioma: develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity
• Pericardial mesothelioma: affects the lining of the heart
• Pericardial mesothelioma: affects the testes
• Mental mesothelioma: affects the abdomen

Pleural Mesothelioma:  It is cancer in the lining of the lungs is the most common type of mesothelioma . Here are the most common symptoms: Pleural effusions are one of the most important and definitive symptoms of pleural mesothelioma . A pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. Research shows that about 90% of patients with pleural mesothelioma have had pleural effusions. Shortness of breath is the second most common symptom related to pleural mesothelioma . Some of the other symptoms include the following.

• Chest/rib pain while breathing
• Fatigue
• Dry cough
• To sweat
• Weight loss for no apparent reason

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma and occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity known as the peritoneum. With pleural mesothelioma , the most common and definitive symptom appears to be pleural effusions. In peritoneal mesothelioma, it is an accumulation of fluid between the peritoneum and the abdominal organs called ascites. Some of the other symptoms ofperitoneal mesothelioma include:

• Pain/swelling in the abdomen area
• Weight loss for no reason
• nausea and vomiting
• Constipation

Symptoms of Pericardium Mesothelioma: Pericardial  mesothelioma occurs in thelining of the heart, which is called the pericardium. This cancer is relatively rare compared to the two above. The most common symptoms of this type of mesothelioma are:

• Breathing problems is one of the most common symptoms
• Patients also witness chest pain
• fever and sweating
• As in the case of other types of mesothelioma , here very sudden weight loss can take place.
• The other two forms of mesothelioma are very rare and their symptoms are not very well established.

How to Diagnose Mesothelioma at an Early Stage:  An early diagnosis of mesothelioma can help in effective treatment and prolong the life of the patient, but as discussed, it is not easy to do. Here are some simple tips that can really help with early diagnosis.

Know Your Work History: If your current or past workplace consists of dealing with asbestos or its products, then you face greater risks of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma . If this is true, then you take sudden weight loss, chest pain and coughing (which last for a long time) seriously. As you can see, they are all common symptoms of mesothelioma .

Know Your Living Environment:  If your home is located near an asbestos mine or a factory that processes asbestos, you need to be extra cautious and take the above symptoms seriously.

Be Honest With Your Doctor:  The key point here is to be extra cautious, even for common symptoms, if you feel you may have been exposed to asbestos. Remember, you need to consider the last 10-20 years of your personal history as Mesothelioma takes a long time to develop.

So, in case of such symptoms, visit your doctor and mention your past history with asbestos and insist on having a detailed check-up.