How to Recognize the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Answer 1

Asbestos is a strong, fire-retardant building material. It was used in building and manufacturing projects for years. During the 1970s and '80s, it was discovered that exposure to asbestos can result in mesothelioma cancer. Each year, mesothelioma causes the suffering and death of many people. For this reason, it is important to diagnose the cancer early.

One reason that mesothelioma is not often caught early is because people do not generally show symptoms until after the cancer has already spread to various parts of the patient's body. After initial exposure, it may take up to 40 or even 50 years for a patient to show symptoms of the illness. Do not wait for symptoms to arise. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos, be sure to consult with a doctor immediately.

Asbestos Symptoms

Some people are exposed to asbestos unknowingly. These people usually do not seek medical attention until after symptoms have already occurred. Some of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma cancer are as follows, though these symptoms may not be present in all patients:

• shortness of breath
• night sweats
• swollen feet
• chest x-ray showing a build-up of fluid (pleural effusion)
• concurrent weight loss and fluid gain
• constant coughing
• constant chest pain
• bowel obstruction

The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma, and in addition to the above symptoms, patients may also experience any or all of the following:

• constant dry cough with phlegm
• bloody fluid, bloody cough
• trouble swallowing
• lumps under skin of the chest
• unexplained loss of weight
• fatigue

The above symptoms are also common in many other physical illnesses, and this makes mesothelioma hard to diagnose. For example, patients with illnesses like congestive heart failure and emphysema may also have shortness of breath, night sweats, and most of the symptoms listed above.

Medical Diagnosis

You should always consult with a physician to get an expert opinion and a diagnosis. A physician will perform a series of medical tests, which generally include X-rays, an MRI and a biopsy. If you are diagnosed with the disease, a physician will also construct a treatment plan that is specific to your particular case.

Despite advances in technology and medicine, there is currently no cure for mesothelioma. However, a physician can advise you on a treatment plan that may prolong your life.