Mesothelioma is the cancer of the protective lining surrounding certain internal organs of the body. The protective lining is known as mesothelium and a tumor in the lining is what is known as mesothelioma cancer. It is an asbestos induced cancer and causes the victim to become dysfunctional. Mesothelioma is also known as malignant mesothelioma for the simple reason that it is a rare and dangerous kind of cancer. One that can prove fatal if not treated upon during the early stages. That’s why it is so important to identify the symptoms before hand and go if for treatment as soon as one detects mesothelioma symptoms.
Mesothelioma Symptoms According to the Places it Occurs in
Pleural Mesothelioma – When Mesothelioma occurs in the protective layering surrounding the lungs it is known as pleural mesothelioma. Apart from the basic or general symptoms and signs of mesothelioma, there are some additional ones that pleural mesothelioma brings along. These are are specific to the area that has been attacked in this case, the lungs. Following are the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma:
1) Back, chest and sometimes side pain.
2) The patient will also have a lot of difficulty swallowing.
3) Coughing which can get from profound to severe
4) General body weakness and fatigue as a result is very common
5) Weight loss due to drastic loss of appetite.
As soon as the mesothelioma symptoms set in, it’s very important to get a early heads up on the disease lest the outcome of it is not favorable in the later stages.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma – When mesothelioma is found in the protective layering of the abdominal cavity, it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms include:
1) Abdominal pain along with collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity.
2) Nausea and vomiting. There’s a lot of difficulty swallowing and digesting food.
3) Another severe symptom the patient experiences is bowel obstruction
4) Anemia is another commonly found symptom in patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pericardial Mesothelioma – This is the mesothelioma of the heart I.e when the asbestos causes the cancer to occur in the protective layering surrounding the heart. Following are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma:
1) Shortness of breath – As the pumping mechanism may be impaired, there will be a difficulty in respiration
2) Chest pain
3) Fatigue sets in even after light physical activity
4) Heart palpitations
5) Arrythymia or irregular heart beat – this is obvious as it is the heart which is affected
6) Difficulty in breathing even when not doing any physical activity. Such a condition is called dyspnea
7) Another condition called orthopnea which is a difficulty in breathing when lying down
8) Chronic cough is also commonly found in patients of pericardial mesothelioma
If you observe anyone in your circle who works closely with asbestos and is found experiencing any of the above symptoms then get him or he immediate medical attention.