Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused from breathing or swallowing asbestos fibers. The disease usually develops 30-40 years after a person is exposed to asbestos. Sometimes, there are no early symptoms of mesothelioma, and it is discovered in a patient while they are being examined or tested for something else. More often, however, a person experiences discomfort, visits their doctor, and learns they are suffering the symptoms of mesothelioma.

It is important to note that mesothelioma symptoms often are similar to the symptoms of other conditions, so if you are experiencing any undiagnosed pain or discomfort, see your doctor as soon as impossible.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is cancer of the mesothelium—the lining around the heart, chest and lungs, and abdomen that protects the organs and produces fluid to cushion them as they function. The three types of mesothelioma refer to the area in which the cancer first occurs:

• Pleural Mesothelioma

  Cancer of the mesothelium, or the lining surrounding the chest and lungs. This is the most common type of mesothelioma, and is usually caused from breathing in asbestos fibers. It causes fluid and tumors in the lungs and/or and chest that restrict, and in advanced stages, cut off breathing.

• Peritoneal Mesothelioma

  Cancer of the mesothelium lining of the abdomen. This type is typically caused from swallowing asbestos fibers, but can also result from lymph nodes circulating the fibers to the area. Peritoneal mesothelioma causes a build up of fluid in the area and tumors that often spread to nearby organs.

• Pericardial Mesothelioma

  Cancer of the mesothelium lining around the heart. This is the rarest form and can be caused from breathing or swallowing asbestos fibers which the lymph nodes circulate to the area. This mesothelioma cancer restricts the movement of the heart and patients experience the shortest life expectancy with this type.

• Very rarely, mesothelioma has also occurred in other areas, such as in the ovaries or testicles.

Both pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma often metastasize, or spread and cause cancer in other areas of the body. Early detection is essential to prevent mesothelioma from spreading, so if you believe you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t delay in contacting your physician.

The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the area of the mesothelium that is affected. It is important to remember that some people can have early mesothelioma and experience no symptoms at all, so if you’ve been exposed to asbestos, or lived with someone that worked around asbestos, be sure to tell your physician right away

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma: shortness of breath; weight loss; hoarse voice; hard time swallowing; coughing up blood; chest pain or pain in the upper abdomen, shoulder or arm; fever; and pleural effusion, which is a build up of fluid in the lungs or chest.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma: a feeling of discomfort or a mass or swelling in the abdomen; weight loss; fever; bowel obstruction and blood clots.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma: chest pain or a “tight” feeling near the heart; persistent cough; weight loss; fever; and/or an irregular breathing pattern or heartbeat, especially during exercise or exertion.

This information has been provided by SEG Law. We are a compassionate group of mesothelioma attorneys with experience in protecting the rights of those exposed to asbestos. If you or a family member is suffering from mesothelioma, contact us to learn more about the disease and your rights.