Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms Guide

Symptoms of malignant mesothelioma usually include chest pains, shortness of breath, and coughing. The peritoneal form of mesothelioma causes gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms worsen as the cancer progresses and may include fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

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Beware: Mesothelioma Symptoms Mimic the Common Cold

The majority of victims do not seek help even after the first symptoms of mesothelioma begin. This is because pleural mesothelioma symptoms loosely mimic common respiratory illnesses.

To complicate matters even worse, pleural mesothelioma victims are prone to pneumonia. Yet, instead of connecting pneumonia to mesothelioma, the victim is often treated for pneumonia only.

In addition to cold and flu-like symptoms, some of the earliest indications and warning signs of mesothelioma cancer are lethargy, coughing, body aches, and shortness of breath.

Tell your doctor and ask about cancer screenings if you know you encountered asbestos at work or in your home. Mesothelioma is often diagnosed in later stages because doctors mistake it for other illnesses.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Since lung mesothelioma affects the chest area and respiratory system, many of the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma will be in that area of the body.

Hacking, dry coughs, wheezing, chest pain, the inability to fully expand the chest, and dyspnea are some of the most common warning signs and evidence of pleural mesothelioma.

In addition, close to 60% of mesothelioma victims have complained of back pain, usually in the lower area of the back. Sometimes the pain will spread from the chest into the shoulder areas.

Pleural plaques are another common sign of pleural mesothelioma but usually go undetected unless medical treatment is sought. Pleural plaques appear in clusters scattered throughout the victim’s chest area, ranging in sizes up to 6 cm and more.

In severe cases of pleural mesothelioma, victims may experience:

• Tumor masses
• A lung collapsing
• Coughing up blood
• Blood clots in the veins
• Blood clots in the lung’s arteries (pulmonary emboli)
• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Extreme swelling in the face and arms
• Dysphagia (difficulty with swallowing)

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the cells that line the abdomen, otherwise known as the mesothelium. The mesothelium contains two layers of cells that cover and protect the body’s internal organs.

Most cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by working at a job site with asbestos. In addition, peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, affecting under two people per million in the United States each year.

Physicians will typically suspect peritoneal mesothelioma when patients complain of the most common symptoms. They need to perform a series of tests and scans before making an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• Abdominal Pain and Swelling
• Fluid buildup up in the abdominal area
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Lumps of tissue clumped together in the abdominal area (usually under the skin)
• Unusual weight loss
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty with breathing
• Cachexia (loss of appetite and physical weakness)
• Hernias
• Anemia
• Night sweats
• Changes in bowel movements: bouts of constipation and/or diarrhea

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma attacks the lining of the heart. It’s one of the rarest form of mesothelioma. How asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart is still unknown, but scientists said that since the fibers are so small, there’s a chance they go into the body’s bloodstream and then make their way to the heart lining.

Mesothelioma in other areas, such as pleural mesothelioma, can eventually grow to a point where it reaches the pericardial space.

Victims of pericardial mesothelioma most often have a poor prognosis. Physicians will usually look for treatments to reduce pressure and relieve pain, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, instead of a way to remove the cancer.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain
• Wheezing
• Thickening of the pericardium
• Feeling tired and sluggish
• Fever

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of this cancer. Because it is so rare, there is no comprehensive symptom list. As science progresses, more information on this type of mesothelioma will become available.

Currently, scientists have a few theories on how victims develop testicular mesothelioma. One theory suggests that cancerous growth from other areas of the body somehow amass to a point in which the testicles are affected. Another theory suggests that nodules on the serosal surface of the testicles eventually develop into mesothelioma.

The known symptoms of testicular mesothelioma are:

• Fluid buildup and swollen testicles
• Pain in the testicles
• A lump under the scrotum

How Long Does it Take for Mesothelioma Symptoms to Develop?

Mesothelioma has a long latency period. It can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years after the exposure to asbestos for the first mesothelioma symptoms to appear.

This goes for all types of mesothelioma, although symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma tend to show up slightly sooner, at anywhere from 20 to 30 years.

If you’ve been exposed to asbestos or think you’ve been exposed, it’s imperative that you not only inform your doctor but also have regular health check-ups.

A study from the National Center for Biotechnology Information determined that the average period before mesothelioma detection is around 32 years. Since the symptoms are mild at first, most victims don’t get diagnosed until much later, when the disease has progressed, and the symptoms have become much worse.

When to See Your Doctor

Most mesothelioma victims wait until they begin having severe symptoms before consulting with a physician. It’s extremely important to make an appointment and have a check-up as soon as possible if you’ve been exposed to asbestos.

Letting your doctor know that you’ve been exposed can help you get a diagnosis more quickly, which can help you start mesothelioma treatments as soon as possible.

It’s also important to remember that not all victims will experience the same symptoms. While some victims may only exhibit a few of the common symptoms, others may experience the full range of symptoms.

Regardless, even the first hint of a cold or respiratory illness should be considered serious by anyone who has been exposed to asbestos.

Where to Get Medical Help

When dealing with an asbestos-related illness, it’s essential to seek medical help from doctors and clinics specializing in these forms of cancer. Mesothelioma is considered a new disease, but several physicians possess in-depth training and research on asbestos-related illnesses.

In addition, medical centers backed by National Cancer Institute (NCI) are at the forefront in dealing with all types of cancers, including malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and more. It’s recommended that victims of asbestos diseases seek treatment at an NCI-designated medical facility.

To learn more about services and treatment and find an NCI-designated facility in your area, call the National Cancer Institute to inquire about treatment centers close to you.

Additional Information

Don’t forget to fill out our form to get our free Financial Compensation Packet, filled with information on qualified asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.