Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms
More than 10,000 people worldwide are diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma each year. This deadly form of cancer is common in those who have been exposed to asbestos from a young age, or for long periods of time. Statistics show that over 11 million people were exposed to this hazardous substance between 1940 and 1978. Malignant mesothelioma manifests itself 20 to 50 years after the initial exposure. Persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath are the main symptoms associated with this disease.
Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal mesothelioma are the three main types of asbestos cancer. Each of these forms of cancer has different symptoms. Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lungs. Over 70 percent of all people diagnosed with asbestos cancer suffer from pleural mesothelioma. The second most common type of asbestos cancer is peritoneal mesothelioma. This disease attacks the membrane surrounding the abdomen. Less than six percent of all mesothelioma patients develop pericardial mesothelioma, an extremely rare form of cancer that develops in the layer of cells covering the heart. All three types of mesothelioma are linked to asbestos exposure.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma occur 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The early signs of this disease are usually attributed to other ailments such as pneumonia, asthma, and flu. Most patients experience dyspnea (shortness of breath), dry cough, difficulty speaking, pleural effusion, hoarseness, wheezing, fatigue, and weight loss. People diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in late stages of the disease often present disseminated intravascular coagulation, blood clots in the veins, and pulmonary emboli. Chest pain is usually the first sign of cancer, caused by the tumors located in the pleural space.
How Does Peritoneal Mesothelioma Manifest Itself?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common and has a shorter latency period than the pleural form. People diagnosed with cancer of the peritoneum may notice a number of symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, constipation, swelling in the abdomen, nausea, and fever. They may also experience night sweats, ascites, and hypercoagulability. In advanced stages, peritoneal mesothelioma causes bowel obstruction, severe ascites, jaundice, and low blood sugar levels.
The symptoms triggered by this form of cancer are non specific and may indicate less serious health problems such as hernia and appendicitis. Over 50 percent of peritoneal mesothelioma patients present increased platelet count.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma has been diagnosed in less than 150 people. Most patients have experienced irregular heartbeat, cough, chest pain, breathing difficulties, night sweats, shortness of breath, and extreme fatigue after light activity. Other common symptoms associated with this disease include heart murmurs, low blood pressure, and fluid retention in the legs. This form of asbestos cancer has the lowest survival rate.
Asbestos exposure is responsible for the development of pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma. If you suffer from this disease, talk with a lawyer and try to obtain financial compensation. For a free mesothelioma information packet, complete the form on this page.