Mesothelioma Symptoms
The tumors are usually located in the linings of your tissues surrounding the lungs, but less frequently, in the tissue lining of the abdominal cavity, also known as the peritoneum. The most frequent mesothelioma signs and symptoms include breathing difficulty, chest pain and the accumulation of fluid.
Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma by a physical exam as well as imaging tests and blood tests. They may recommend a procedure to help relieve the pressure from fluid buildup, like thoracentesis/paracentesis or pleurodesis.
Chest Pain
Mesothelioma may occur in the lung lining (pleura) and more rarely, in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). In both instances the tumor can cause pain as it expands. Fluid buildup can also cause lung pain and difficulties in breathing.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it is crucial to visit your doctor as soon as you can, especially if the pain gets worse or if any of these other symptoms are present. A doctor will perform physical examination and request an imaging scan in order to identify the tumor.
The doctor will also recommend an examination if there is a mass or tumor detected on an image scan. A biopsy is carried out by inserting a needle in the affected area to collect tiny tissue samples. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope to look for cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma is a rare condition, which can mean it takes longer for patients to be diagnosed. The cancer can grow over time before symptoms become noticeable. In this period mesothelioma may be mistakenly identified as other illnesses like lung cancer or pneumonia. Mesothelioma may also be confused with other conditions that have similar symptoms, like inflammatory intestinal disease and ovarian cysts.
When an individual is diagnosed with mesothelioma, their doctors will work to treat the underlying condition which is causing the symptoms. They often prescribe medications to reduce symptoms, including the prescription of narcotics and over-the counter medications.
Since mesothelioma is a rare cancer and therefore, it's crucial for patients to be on guard and visit their doctor if they notice any unusual symptoms. It is also important to mention any history with asbestos exposure to get the proper diagnosis and treatment right away. Patients with mesothelioma should ensure they receive the best treatment by maintaining contact with their physicians. This will help them manage their symptoms and prolong their life.
Abdominal Pain
The pain that is felt in the abdomen can be caused by both pleural and mesothelioma peritoneal. Contrary to heart or chest pain which is often localized, abdominal pain can radiate throughout the body. It can be intermittent or get worse when you cough or eat. People with peritoneal mesothelioma may also report unexplained weight loss and this can lead to abdominal pain.
The mesothelioma's type and location determines the symptoms that sufferers experience. However, the majority of patients experience common symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers which can trigger inflammation and scarring of the mesothelium.
In addition to pain, mesothelioma patients have difficulty breathing due to tumors affecting the lung. Pleural mesothelioma causes fluid buildup in the lungs, known as pleural effusion. It can cause shortness of breath. This fluid can either be eliminated through an outpatient procedure called pleurodesis, or by inserting tubes into the chest and draining it frequently at home. In some instances fluid will re-enter the lungs after it has been removed this is a sign that cancer remains in the pleura and may be growing.
Mesothelioma can also cause changes in energy levels and mood. The reason for this is that the pain can make it difficult to sleep and eat properly, and interfere with daily activities.
Due to these changes, some patients suffer from depression or anxiety. These emotional side effects are normal for mesothelioma treatment, and should not be overlooked.
Physical examination and a review of the patient's history of medical conditions are commonly used to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors may request tests for blood, x-rays and other procedures in order to identify mesothelioma. To ensure that the test is accurate, patients should be honest about their asbestos exposure. Patients should also talk about any other symptoms they may be experiencing, as these may be signs of another condition and should not simply be dismissed as a sign of a different condition.
Fatigue and weakness
Early symptoms of mesothelioma include fatigue, a loss of energy and a general sense of exhaustion. These symptoms can manifest anywhere in the body depending on the location of the tumors. Pleural mesothelioma for instance, can affect the lining of your lungs while peritoneal cancer could affect the abdomen's lining. Some patients are fatigued, as well as fever, unexplained weight loss, and sweating.
Fatigue can be caused by cancer or as a side-effect of other treatments, like chemotherapy. It is possible that fatigue is an indication of any illness and it is therefore important to talk to your doctor about what is the reason for your fatigue and weakness.
Weakness and fatigue can occur at any point in the mesothelioma treatment process. As mesothelioma grows and progresses it is more likely to increase in severity. Mesothelioma patients must be sure to describe their fatigue in detail to allow doctors to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Patients often confuse feelings of fatigue and weakness with other common conditions. These symptoms can also be mistaken for the symptoms of mesothelioma that affect the respiratory system. In some instances the fatigue can be caused by fluid accumulation in the chest (pleural effusion) or pressure exerted by mesothelioma over a nerve or organ.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. In some cases, mesothelioma can be diagnosed as a secondary disease after it has spread to other areas of the body. In these instances, the underlying cause of fatigue will be a medical condition that can be treated.
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos is a serious and deadly condition. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to seek help as soon as you can. Our experienced patient advocates can assist you in finding mesothelioma specialists. They can answer questions about your rights under the law, and connect you with resources for treatment. Contact us for assistance today. A free case evaluation is available. We do not charge any fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.
Breathing Problems
Breathing difficulties are a common mesothelioma-related symptom, especially in patients with the most prevalent form of cancer. The Pleura is the lining of the lung, and pleural tumors is most common in the lungs.
Breathing problems are the most common symptom of mesothelioma. It develops slowly and makes it difficult to breathe. This is because cancer and asbestos fibers can make the lining of the lungs thicken or stiffen and make it more difficult for patients to absorb oxygen.
As the cancer progresses patients may experience difficulty breathing increasing in difficulty. Patients may also experience a dry cough, or a fluid buildup in their lungs. This can cause chest pain and breathing difficulties. If the buildup of fluid is severe, doctors may undergo a procedure to flush the fluid. This is a procedure known as pleurodesis, where doctors employ a chemical to cause the lining of the lungs to become scarred and adhere. This prevents the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs, but it's not a cure to mesothelioma.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma can include a persistent cough, recurring fever and fatigue, back pain, and difficulty swallowing. Mesothelioma symptoms may be a symptom of other medical conditions like pneumonia. Patients should consult a doctor to discuss any concerns.
The signs of mesothelioma typically manifest in the latter stages of the disease, after it has spread beyond the original tumor site. It is crucial for those who have an asbestos-related history seek treatment and diagnosis as soon as they can.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma is made with a physical exam. The doctor will pay special attention to areas of concern and inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and previous health medical history. They will then run tests to determine the mesothelioma's type and stage. If a person has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, they could be entitled to compensation for expenses incurred by the disease. If you have been exposed to asbestos and have any of these symptoms, contact a mesothelioma lawyer today to get started.