Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Extensive clinical and research studies have concluded that asbestos exposure is the only proven cause of malignant mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma cancer occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested and become lodged into the cavities of the organs causing inflammation or infection. Organs that are affected by this severe type of cancer are the lungs, heart and the abdomen.

Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer that can take anywhere between 20 to 50 years before symptoms begin to appear in cancer victims. This type of cancer is difficult to diagnose because symptoms can remain dormant until the cancer reaches the advanced stages of development. Men develop mesothelioma cancer more often than women, because they work in jobs that expose them to asbestos. If you were employed at a job where asbestos was a factor, then you should consult with a physician for testing to detect any early stages of mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma. The onset of symptoms arises because of the thickening of the pleural membrane that causes a buildup of fluids around the lungs, causing intense pressure. Symptoms include a dry, rasping cough and difficulty swallowing solids and liquids. This type of cancer causes rapid weight loss, excessive sweating at night and a very high fever. Individuals with pleural mesothelioma cancer are subjected to sharp chest pains, shortness of breath and constant fatigue.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by the accumulation of fluids between membrane layers caused by the thickening of the peritoneal membrane. This form of cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Patients with this type of cancer can develop anemia, experience fatigue, weight loss, and a sudden change in daily bowel movements. There is swelling or pain in the abdomen with noticeable lumps appearing under the skin covering the stomach.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when the pericardial membrane thickens because of fluids filling up in the membranes surrounding the heart. Some symptoms patients may endure include an irregular heartbeat, chest pains, fatigue, fever, sweating at night, and labored breathing even when exhibiting no obvious exertion. Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are not as obvious as in other types of mesothelioma.

General Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma can resemble other less serious medical conditions, making this cancer very hard to identify. Mesothelioma cancer usually occurs in older patients because it can take decades for the cancer to be diagnosed. Life expectancy for a mesothelioma cancer patient is approximately four to 18 months after diagnosis. Many factors determine the survival rate of a patient. Factors to take into consideration include the overall general health of the patient, the size of the tumor, and the progressive stage of the cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is a terminal cancer. While there is no cure for mesothelioma cancer, usually, patients who opt for surgery have a better survival rate.