Symptoms Of Asbestos Cancer

Mesothelioma typically has a long latency period. Many years will pass between exposure to asbestos and the development of asbestos cancer. In fact, patients with mesothelioma usually do not develop symptoms until several decades after the initial asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma symptoms mirror those of less serious diseases, many patients who develop mesothelioma are unaware of their potentially deadly condition.

Individuals with a history of asbestos exposure should be screened for asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma does not present early symptoms, individuals who worked at or lived near asbestos sites should inform their doctor of their potential exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure but are not experiencing symptoms should receive chest x-rays or lung function tests to search for any indications of asbestos-related diseases.

Pericardial mesothelioma, the least common form of mesothelioma, develops in the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include trouble breathing, heart palpitations, fatigue, chest pain, fever and night sweats. These symptoms are caused by fluid buildup and the thickening of the pericardial membrane. Because pericardial mesothelioma is rare, its list of symptoms is not as comprehensive as other forms of the diesease. Pericardial mesothelioma is hard to diagnose and generally has a poor prognosis.

Pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following: cough that produces blood; shortness of breath; persistent dry or raspy cough; trouble swallowing; painful breathing; chest or rib pain; unexplained weight loss and night sweats/fever. Fatigue and lumps under the skin of the chest have also been reported as symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma occur as a result of pleural thickening, which is caused by fluid buildup between membrane layers. Pleural thickening and fluid buildup can apply pressure on the lungs, resulting in respiratory difficulties.

Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen and makes up approximately 30% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include pain or swelling in the abdomen, a change in bowel habits and nausea and vomiting. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also cause fever, night sweats, anemia, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and lumps under the skin of the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma develop due to the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and fluid buildup between the membrane layers. This can apply pressure on the abdomen and its organs, causing the patient to experience these symptoms.

Individuals experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma should see their doctor as soon as possible. Although mesothelioma shares symptoms with a number of less serious diseases, its important to receive a firm diagnosis. Although the overall prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, those diagnosed in the earlier stages generally have a better outlook.

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