Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms are non-specific, which means that they are similar to the symptoms of other better-known diseases, such as viral pneumonia. Hence, it is not unusual for patients to be misdiagnosed. If you suspect that you may have mesothelioma, it is vital that you alert your doctor to any history of asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma symptoms may not develop until 20 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos. Some patients may not even show any symptoms. Common symptoms of mesothelioma include:

For pleural mesothelioma (sometimes called mesothelioma lung cancer), an accumulation of fluid in the lung cavity can cause:

• chest pain (ranging from mild to stabbing)
• shortness of breath
• persistent coughing

When the doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to the patient’s chest, normal breath sounds are muted, and tapping on the chest will reveal dull rather than hollow sounds.

For peritoneal mesothelioma (also sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma), a build-up of fluid in the abdominal cavity can result in the following mesothelioma symptoms:

• - swelling of the abdomen
• - pain
• - bowel obstruction
• - weight loss
• - muscle atrophy
• - fatigue
• - weakness
• - fever
• - nausea
• - vomiting
• - loss of appetite
• - abnormal blood clotting
• - anemia.

If the disease has spread beyond the mesothelium (the protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs) to other parts of the body, the mesothelioma symptoms may also include:

• - swelling of the neck or face
• - difficulty in swallowing
• - swelling of the feet
• - general pain

Basically, consult a doctor if you have any of these common mesothelioma symptoms given below, especially if you have had extensive and or prolonged exposure to asbestos

• - breathing difficulties
• - pain under the rib cage.
• - abdominal pain or swelling
• - weight loss for no apparent reason
• - lumps