What are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is generally associated with a long latency period
this means that the symptoms of this disease can take many years
to manifest, making both diagnosis and effective treatment very
difficult. And even when the symptoms do become evident, which
can take several decades, the symptoms are so generalized and
non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more
common diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced doctors
to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with Mesothelioma
patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused
with pneumonia during its early stages.
Some Common Symptoms Some of the most common symptoms of
Mesothelioma of all three types are shortness of breath and
chest pains. This may be accompanied by a persistent cough, and
these entire symptoms stem from the build up of fluid between
the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, known as pleural
effusion.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma In pleural effusion, an
accumulation of fluid happens between the parietal pleura (the
pleura covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the visceral
pleura (the pleura covering the lungs). Both of these membranes
are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal
conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a
lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid
is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance.
When too much fluid forms, the result is an effusion.
This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then
spread to other parts of the body. Pleural Mesothelioma
sufferers may also begin to display severe breathing difficulty,
weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even
swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a
rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are
other patients that may not show any significant symptoms at
all.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma The symptoms for patients
who suffer from peritoneal Mesothelioma (a rarer form of the
disease) are slightly different. This type of the disease starts
in the abdomen and can spread form there. Patients of peritoneal
Mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling, nausea,
loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing
problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These
symptoms result from tumors that lean against the abdominal
wall. Bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and problems with blood
clotting may also affect peritoneal Mesothelioma patients.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma The rarest form of this
disease is pericardial Mesothelioma, which starts in the cavity
surrounding the heart. With pericardial Mesothelioma, the tumors
grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can spread from
there. Pericardial Mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest
pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations.
Don't Loose Hope Most people who have worked with asbestos in
the past do not begin to show symptoms of Mesothelioma until
thirty to forty years later. By this time, the disease is
already spreading and with the delay in diagnosis, makes it
impossible to treat in many cases before it is too late.
However, the cause, effects and symptoms of Mesothelioma are now
becoming more widely known by professionals and lay people. This
awareness, coupled with the current clinical trials that are
being carried out by a variety of organizations gives patients
the hope that an effective treatment will one day be available
for all stages of the disease.