Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure over a long period of time. The asbestos damages the lining of the lungs, abdominal cavity or other organs, and over time this damage can lead to the formation of cancer cells. Recognizing mesothelioma symptoms and getting treatment as quickly as possible is crucial to obtaining a good prognosis.
Unfortunately, many people dismiss the symptoms of mesothelioma as being related to a minor health problem, and don’t get diagnosed until the cancer is in advanced stages. This makes treatment difficult, and sending the cancer into remission nearly impossible. Letting a doctor know of a history of asbestos exposure can be an important part of making sure that symptoms are evaluated as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Different Mesotheliomas
Symptoms vary widely between different kinds of mesothelioma. The most common form of mesothelioma attacks the lining of the lungs and is called pleural mesothelioma. This form of mesothelioma mostly causes symptoms that affect breathing or are related to low oxygen, though there are exceptions. Symptoms include:
- difficulty breathing
- pain in the sides of chest or low back
- recurring cough
- loss of weight
- tiredness or weakness
- coughing up blood
- swelling in the face or arms
Obviously many of these symptoms are subtle, or easily mistaken for other problems, like allergies, a bad back, or a cold that just won’t go away.
The next most common form of mesothelioma is called peritoneal mesothelioma, and it starts in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal mesothelioma has a wide variety of symptoms, because of the equally wide variety of organs it might impact. Where the tumor is, and which organs it presses as it grows will determine the specific symptoms. Some of the more common peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are:
- abdominal pain
- weight loss
- nausea and/or vomiting
- effusion, a buildup of fluid that can sometimes be felt as a hard lump in the abdomen
Other possible symptoms include anemia, blood clotting disorders and difficulty swallowing.
Who Should be Concerned about Mesothelioma Symptoms?
While it is possible for almost anyone to be exposed to asbestos once in a while, it takes a significant amount, either months of extremely high levels of exposure or years of ongoing exposure, to lead to a risk of mesothelioma. Anyone who has worked for a long time in an industry where asbestos is common, such as ship building, plumbing or construction, as well as their family, who may have been exposed at second hand should talk to a doctor about the possibility of mesothelioma. Additionally, people who have lived in towns where factories or mines working with asbestos can be at risk of mesothelioma, however doctors in these towns are usually aware of the risk and on the lookout for symptoms.
Mesothelioma is tested for with body imaging technology such as CT scans, and with biopsies. If a person who is experiencing these symptoms believes testing would be good, they should speak with their primary care physician, and ask for a referral to an oncologist with experience in mesothelioma.
