Mesothelioma is a life-threatening cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and other organs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which was once used in many products before it was banned. Industrialists were aware of the dangers of asbestos but did not warn workers or took precautions to protect them. It was used in shipyards, power plants, and construction sites.
Asbestos fibers are tiny and sharp, and can infiltrate the body through inhalation or ingestion. Once they are inside, they lodge themselves in the lining of the lungs or other organs and begin to grow, eventually leading to cancer.
It’s necessary to be mindful of the signs of mesothelioma. While every case is different, knowing mesothelioma’s general signs and symptoms is vital. Generally, the symptoms do not appear until after 20 to 50 years of asbestos exposure. However, it is important to be aware of the signs, so in this post, we’ll discuss some of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma, the most frequent form of asbestos-induced cancer, affects the lungs and chest. It’s named after the mesothelium, a protective covering surrounding your internal organs. The mesothelium produces a lubricant that helps keep organs from sticking to one another, so this cancer is often called mesothelioma. Early signs of Pleural Mesothelioma include:
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
Late-stage pleural mesothelioma symptoms include:
• Anemia
• Blood clots
• Chest pain
• Chronic fatigue
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Excessive sweating
• High Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Lumps under the skin of the chest
• Muscle atrophy
If you go through any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to see a doctor so they can rule out other possible causes and begin treatment. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you should file mesothelioma lawsuits within the statute of limitations. It will allow you to get the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal cavity lining, known as the peritoneum. It is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, which can enter the body through inhalation or ingestion. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
• Abdominal pain
• Weight loss
• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal fluid buildup
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Loss of appetite and Bloating
• Changes in bowel habits
• Night sweats
• Fatigue and fever
Currently, there is no cure for this ailment, but treatment choices may help to enhance a person’s quality of life. Surgeries are performed to remove as much cancer as possible, while radiation and chemotherapy can help kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Clinical tests are also a possibility for some patients and may offer access to new and innovative treatments. If you or somebody you love has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, it’s vital to seek professional medical care. With the support of a reliable team of experts, you can develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that begins in the pericardium lining, the sac surrounding the heart. As the cancer is caused due to asbestos exposure, it can take decades for symptoms to develop. Unfortunately, by the time signs of illness emerge, the disease is usually quite advanced and difficult to treat. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma may include:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Coughing
• Fatigue
• Fluid buildup in the heart
• Heart palpitations,
• Irregular heartbeats and heart murmurs (arrhythmias),
• Night sweats
• Tightness in the chest
• Unexplained weight loss
Pericardiocentesis, a surgical procedure that removes fluid buildup from the pericardium, can help patients with mesothelioma manage their symptoms. While there is no cure for pericardial mesothelioma, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. With early diagnosis and treatment, patients may be able to extend their life expectancy.
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
While mesothelioma is most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, this aggressive form of cancer can also develop in the testicles. Testicular mesothelioma is rare cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases. However, its true incidence is unknown because it is often misdiagnosed as a more common type of testicular cancer. Symptoms of testicular mesothelioma include:
• Pain or swelling in the testicles
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A lump in the scrotum
• Lower back pain
Chemotherapy and surgery to remove one or both affected testicles are used for testicular mesothelioma treatment. Many patients also require radiation therapy. While there is no cure for this aggressive cancer, treatment can help to manage symptoms and extend life expectancy.
Diagnosing Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma can be challenging to diagnose. Most of its signs are identical to other, more typical conditions. Patients with mesothelioma often go from doctor to doctor, seeking a proper diagnosis. It is crucial to catch mesothelioma early when it is most treatable. If you were ever exposed to asbestos, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms of this life-threatening disease and to see a doctor if you experience any of the symptoms discussed above.
The physician will conduct a physical assessment and order tests, such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to look for signs of mesothelioma. A biopsy, in which a tissue specimen is withdrawn for analysis, is often necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Misdiagnosing Mesothelioma Symptoms
Medics often misdiagnose mesothelioma. Signs of pleural mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer. And signs of peritoneal mesothelioma may be misdiagnosed as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ovarian cancer. Testicular mesothelioma may also be misdiagnosed as a more common type of testicular cancer. However, it is important that the cancer is detected in its early stages, as treatment options may be more effective then.
Conclusion
Mesothelioma is a deadly cancer caused by asbestos exposure. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it’s essential to understand the signs and symptoms of the disease to get treatment as soon as possible. We hope this article has helped you learn more about this terrible cancer. Please share it with your companions and relatives who might also be at risk for mesothelioma. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
