10 symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma Cancer
Mesothelioma cancer is a form of cancer, caused by asbestos exposure, that can affect the lungs (Pleural form), abdomen (Peritoneal form), and even the membrane around the heart. (Pericardium form) Less than 1% of cases involve the pericardium. Symptoms may not appear for 20-50 years after exposure. Death generally occurs within 18 months from the onset of symptoms.

There are actually more than 10 symptoms of mesothelioma cancer. Below they are listed by type, although the symptoms of one form are not necessarily exclusive of the other types.

10 Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Pleural Mesothelioma Cancer : Affecting the lungs. Patients may present with viral pneumonia symptoms. The right lung is affected most often, in approximately 60% of all cases. Mesothelioma of both lungs is only seen in 5% of all cases. About 2000 new cases of mesothelioma are diagnosed a year, primarily in men over the age of 40.

Dyspnea (Shortness of breath): Pleural effusion Dyspnea is “Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.”

Chest pain and persistent cough: with increased sputum production: “Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or disorder. Some coughs are dry, while others are productive. A productive cough is one that brings up phlegm (also called sputum or mucus).”

Night sweats: Any disease or condition can cause night sweats or fever. “Infections, malignancy and other diseases can also cause night sweats. When night sweats are due to an infection, the sweating usually occurs as the body temperature drops suddenly after running a fever.”

Lethargy : Feeling indifferent, lack of energy, drowsiness.

Weight loss due to anorexia: Anorexia is an aversion to food. Anorexia also means lack of appetite, diminished appetite. Patients with life-threatening illnesses often lose their appetite.

Hoarseness: Caused when the mesothelioma invades the lymphatics of the neck, May cause a husky voice. If the cancer metastasizes (spreads) from the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the face and neck.

Coughing up blood: As tumors grow into the chest wall, pleura and the lymphatic system, erosion of the blood vessels occurs, allowing blood to enter the bronchial tubes and into the sputum.

Sharp pain in lower back or side: “Pain associated with mesothelioma cancer changes from mild, episodic, and localized, to severe and chronic as the disease progresses. The first symptoms of pain depend on the type of mesothelioma cancer. For pleural mesothelioma, the initial symptoms are a nagging discomfort or mild pain in the chest area or in the back. For peritoneal mesothelioma cancer, the first symptoms are abdominal or pelvic discomfort, and, in some cases, bowel obstruction and its resultant pain.”

Fever : “People with cancer are more likely to get fevers, which are usually associated with infections. Common sites of infection are the lungs, bladder, skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and ears”. Peritoneal Mesothelioma Cancer (Affecting the abdomen)

Anemia: Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, or having red blood cells that are too small to work effectively. Losing blood from tumors into the bowel, or into the sputum, over time will cause the person to become anemic. Loss of appetite can cause anemia to develop as well.

Swelling and pain of abdomen: Abdominal swelling is caused by ascites. Ascites is “Abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen that may cause swelling. In late-stage mesothelioma cancer, tumor cells may be found in the fluid in the abdomen. Ascites also occurs in patients with liver disease”

Bowel obstruction: This symptom of mesothelioma “involves a partial or complete blockage of the bowel that results in the failure of the intestinal contents to pass through”.

Foot and ankle swelling: Can be caused by blood clots and or venous insufficiency, the lungs are unable to function properly.

Blood Clotting abnormalities: Clotting is caused by blocking of the tiny blood vessels in the pleura, and may cause fatal emboli (Blood clots).
Mesothelioma is best treated when caught early. If you have had prolonged exposure to asbestos, getting checked for mesothelioma could be the smartest thing you ever do.
By: www.rarereviews.com