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Mesothelioma Symptoms - Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the
non-specific nature of patient symptoms. The onset of mesothelioma
symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 30 to 50 years
after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are frequently
reported by those with mesothelioma, but are also associated with other
medical conditions.
The following symptomatic responses MAY BE caused by mesothelioma, or by
other less serious medical problems. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are
often similar to pneumonia. This information is provided for your
information only, and should NOT take the place of a full
medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the below
symptoms, consult your doctor right away.
Symptoms of
Pleural Mesothelioma
- Pleural Effusions
One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural
effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung
and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of
breath, known as "dyspnea", and sometimes pain may occur.
- Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by a buildup of fluid
in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor(s) in
the pleural lining. Both conditions can restrict the proper
functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
- Chest / Back Pain
A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a
feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in
the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain
occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma
affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have
mesothelioma in both lungs.
- Chronic Hoarseness / Difficulty Swallowing / Coughing up Blood
Chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and/or the
coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) are symptoms that are exhibited in
less than 1% of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.
- Swelling of the Face and Arms
The swelling of the face or neck areas can indicate a spreading of the
cancer beyond the
mesothelium.
- Other reported symptoms include fever, muscle weakness and sensory
loss, and nausea.
|
Symptom |
%
exhibiting |
| Shortness of breath and/or chest pain
|
90% |
| Weight loss |
29% |
| Cough, weakness, fever, loss of
appetite |
3% |
| Hemoptysis (coughing up blood),
hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). |
less than 1%
|
| Pleural Effusions |
84% |
| Asymptomatic |
3% |
(source: "Diffuse
malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Ontario and Quebec: a
retrospective study of 332 patients." P Ruffie et al. Journal of
Clinical Oncology Aug 1 1989: 1157-1168.)
Symptoms of
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
- Pain or Swelling of the Abdomen
Symptoms of
peritoneal mesothelioma usually include abdominal pain and
swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
- Bowel Obstruction
A tumor in the peritoneum membranes can exert increasing pressure
on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and
distention.
- Weight Loss / Anemia
Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and the pressure exerted by the
presence of a tumor(s) can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight
loss, anemia, and other 'wasting symptoms'.
- The presence of tumors in the
peritoneal tissues of the abdomen can also cause a frequency in
urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue.
The varied and non-specific symptoms
associated with mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis. If you
or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your
doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any
previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors (click
here for a list of at risk occupations).
The early detection of mesothelioma is critical to the patient outlook
and in determining applicable treatment options.
However, mesothelioma is often difficult to
diagnose for a variety of reasons. |
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