Last Updated on May 17, 2011 by Mike
Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms – The Quick List of Symptoms to Be Aware Of
Mesothelioma is one of the rare cancer forms that affect the lining of the lung and chest cavity. In some cases, it can also be a cancer in the lining of the abdomen. Mesothelioma is a cancer that is popularly linked to exposure to asbestos. This type of cancer can take between 20-50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. Several other life-threatening diseases have been linked to the exposure of asbestos such as asbestosis, pleural effusion, pleural plaques and lung cancer. Asbestos fibers were commonly used in number of industries prior to its eradication in 1975 such as in construction, shipyards, mining, fireproofing and heating, automotive repair and many others. Many of those who worked in these industries were prone to develop mesothelioma cancer in the later years.
Early Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Since mesothelioma usually develops at the later stage, the disease is rarely diagnosed at an early stage. This is why if you or any member of your family has been exposed to asbestos, undergoing regular X-rays would help in monitoring any signs of asbestos inhalation. Here is a checklist of symptoms related to the different types of Mesothelioma cancer:
Pleural Mesothelioma – this is a form of mesothelioma cancer that is due to the thickening of the pleural membrane caused by the rapid development of cancerous cells that leads to formation of fluid between membrane layers.
- Persistent dry cough
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Night sweats or fever
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Painful breathing and pain the chest or rib area
- Shortness of breath even when at rest
- Appearance of lumps under the skin of the chest
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – this is a cancer that develops due to the thickening of the peritoneal membrane which results to the production of fluid between membrane layers which causes pressure on the abdominal region and organs.
- Fever or night sweats
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Appearance of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms – this type of cancer is so rare that the body symptoms are not well-established as other types of mesothelioma. It is also very difficult to diagnose and hence often results to poor prognosis.
- Irregular heartbeat or heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or dyspnea
- Fever or night sweats
- Fatigue
According to studies, the chances of developing lung cancer from smoking also increase significantly when one is exposed to asbestos.
How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure
If you are working in an area with asbestos, wearing safety masks with air filters is a must. This precaution is not only limited to factory workers who are exposed to industrial materials laced with asbestos. Civilians who are near the area of construction and demolitions sites of old houses or buildings have to also wear safety masks. Reason being is some of these houses that were built in the 1970s would most likely include asbestos lining as part of the materials for its fire proofing purpose.
