What are some signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The cancer attacks the membranes that surround, or line, the areas around organs. Generally, mesothelioma manifests itself in three parts of the body: the lining of the lungs and chest cavity, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and the lining around the heart. Mesothelioma is sometimes, but rarely, found other places in the body, such as the testicles.

Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because it symptoms resemble those of many conditions, and as a result the disease may not be properly diagnosed until its later stages. Additionally, it takes many years for the disease to appear, so patients may associate their symptoms with growing older rather than disease. The long period of time between exposure to asbestos and disease manifestation also means that the connection between the symptoms and asbestos exposure may not be readily apparent.

What are some signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?

Plural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. This aggressive cancer attacks the membranes that cover the lungs and line the chest cavity. Symptoms of plural mesothelioma may include shortness of breath, chest pains, dry cough, difficulty in swallowing, emergence of a husky sounding voice, loss of appetite, lower back pain, and swelling of the face and/or arms. Other symptoms may be night sweats, fever, lumps under the chest skin, and unexplained weight loss.

Less common is peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdominal wall. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include shortness of breath, pain or swelling in the abdomen, weight loss, changes in bowel movements, anemia, fatigue, lumps under the abdominal skin, loss of appetite, weakness, and swelling of the feet.

Pericardial mesothelioma, cancer of the lining around the heart, is rare. Symptoms of this cancer include shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, and extreme fatigue.

Testicular mesothelioma is exceedingly rare. This cancer manifests itself in lumps on or around the testes.

This article is meant to give you a general overview of some of the symptoms of mesothelioma. Only a medical professional can diagnose mesothelioma. If you believe you exhibit these symptoms, seek the advice of a medical professional.

This article provided courtesy of the mesothelioma and asbestos law firm, The Dansby Law Firm, P.C. of Alabama, (334) 834-7001.