How to Tell if You Have Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure

Mesothelioma - Symptoms and Solutions

Symptoms of Mesothelioma can be latent in the body for years. And even

when the symptoms do become evident, the symptoms are so general that they can

easily be misdiagnosed. The symptoms of this disease can even be confused with

pneumonia during its early stages, making it difficult to diagnose. It is therefore

important for patients to inform their doctor if they have been exposed to asbestos

at any point

Types of Mesothelioma:

Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma are common forms of

Mesothelioma. The rarest form of this disease is pericardial mesothelioma

What are some of the symptoms?

Shortness of breath and chest pains are common. This may be accompanied by a

persistent cough. Those with Pleural Mesothelioma may also experience severe

breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even

swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and

start coughing up blood. However, there are other patients that may not show any

significant symptoms at all.

Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma can display abdominal pain and swelling,

nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting. They can also suffer breathing problems, and

chest pain.

Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath,

persistent coughing and palpitations.

What causes this?

With Pleural Mesothelioma the build up of fluid between the lining of the lung and

the chest cavity. This is known as pleural effusion. This type of the disease starts in

the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body.

In patients with peritoneal mesothelioma the disease starts in the abdomen and can

spread from there. These symptoms result from tumours that lean against the

abdominal wall. Bowel obstruction, anaemia, fever and problems with blood clotting

may also affect peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Pericardial Mesothelioma, starts in the cavity surrounding the heart. With pericardial

mesothelioma, the tumours grow in the tissues that surround the heart and can

spread from there.