subject: Mesothelioma: Signs And Symptoms [print this page] Mesothelioma typically has a long latency period; many years will pass between asbestos exposure and the development of the cancer. In fact, mesothelioma patients typically do not manifest symptoms until decades after their initial contact with asbestos. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of less serious conditions, many patients who develop asbestos cancer are unaware of their possibly life-threatening disease.
Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should see their doctors for an asbestos screening. Because mesothelioma does not produce early symptoms, those who were in contact with asbestos should inform their physicians of their exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure but are not presenting symptoms should receive chest x-rays or pulmonary function tests to screen for any signs of asbestos diseases.
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen and makes up approximately 30% of all mesothelioma diagnoses. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can include abdominal swelling or pain, nausea/vomiting and night sweats. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also cause fever, unexplained weight loss, anemia, a change in bowel habits, fatigue and lumps under the skin of the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma form because of the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and fluid buildup between the membrane layers; this can put pressure on the abdomen and its organs, causing the patient to experience these symptoms.
The most common form of the disease, pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following: trouble swallowing; persistent dry or raspy cough; cough that produces blood; shortness of breath; painful breathing; chest or rib pain; night sweats/fever; and unintentional weight loss. Fatigue and lumps under the skin of the chest have also been reported in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma manifest as a result of pleural thickening, which is brought on by fluid buildup between membrane layers. Fluid buildup and pleural thickening can place pressure on the lungs, causing problems with respiratory function.
Pericardial mesothelioma, the least common type of mesothelioma, develops in the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, fever/night sweats and fatigue. These symptoms are caused by fluid buildup and the thickening of the pericardial membrane. Because pericardial mesothelioma is rare, its list of symptoms is not as comprehensive as other forms of asbestos cancer. Pericardial mesothelioma has a generally poor prognosis and is difficult to diagnose.
Individuals experiencing mesothelioma symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Although mesothelioma shares symptoms with several less serious diseases, its important to receive a firm diagnosis as soon as possible. While the outlook for mesothelioma is poor, individuals diagnosed in the earlier stages generally have a better prognosis.
