Five Common Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects people who have been exposed to asbestos. The period of time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma is usually very long. Some people do not develop symptoms of mesothelioma until 40 years or more after exposure to asbestos. This makes it very difficult to diagnose both mesothelioma and asbestosis (other conditions caused by exposure to asbestos).

Another factor that makes the diagnosis of mesothelioma difficult is the different types of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma develops in the lining of internal organs. Thus, it can affect the lining of the lungs, heart, stomach, testicles and spread to surrounding tissues. Depending on the exact location of the cancer mesothelioma, symptoms may vary. Here is a list of five common symptoms of mesothelioma.


1. Pain in the chest and / or abdomen
Mesothelioma cancer can produce pain in various parts of the body. The pain became stronger due to the advancement of cancer. Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs) often causes pain in the chest. In addition, patients may have difficulty breathing. The shortness of breath may be increased due to the advancement of cancer and lead to pleural effusion (fluid retention in the lining of the lungs). Persistent abdominal pain may be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the stomach).

2. Cough
Many patients with pleural mesothelioma has a cough, dry constantly. As the cancer spreads, they may cough up blood. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor.

3. Unexplained Weight Loss
While most people welcome weight loss as a positive event, substantial weight loss and unexplained may be a sign of a problem. Losing weight is suddenly may be a sign that the body is under extreme pressure produced by cancer cells and the use of internal reserves of fat tissue as a source of energy to fight the disease.

4. Persistent Fatigue
Fatigue is a normal body response to physical and psychological exhaustion. However, if you feel tired all the time for no apparent reason, it may be a sign of cancer. You should see your doctor if you feel tired even when you wake up after eight or nine hours of sleep.

5. Night sweats and / or fever
As the spread of mesothelioma, resulting in a growing number of cancer cells, which began to interfere with basic physiological functions. As a result, the internal network may begin to swell, and various body cavities may be filled with fluid. The body responds to these events by producing sweat the night, which is often accompanied by a mild fever. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your doctor for a thorough medical evaluation.

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will most likely recommend aggressive therapy to slow the spread of cancer and kill cancer cells. Unfortunately, even with the most advanced cancer treatment, mesothelioma life expectancy is less than one year. However, new treatments are being developed, offering hope of remission and mesothelioma patients live longer, more fulfilling.