Various types of mesothelioma can result from exposure to asbestos. The symptoms, however, may not manifest for up to fifty years after the exposure. They can also be missed or mistaken, because they are often similar to the symptoms of less serious illnesses.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma which affects the pleura, the membrane which lines the lungs and chest cavity. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, difficulty with swallowing, pain in the chest wall, and the presence of fluid around the lung. There may also be fever and weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when the cancer affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms can include abdominal swelling and pain, obstruction of the bowel, appetite loss, nausea, and weight loss. There may also be breathing and swallowing problems, and swelling of the face and neck.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It occurs when the cancer affects the heart and surrounding tissue. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, palpitations, difficulty with breathing, and chest pain.
Because there are often no symptoms for many years, or because those symptoms can be mistaken as signs of other illnesses such as pneumonia, mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. It is often only when the later stages are reached, and the mesothelioma is at an advanced level, that symptoms manifest themselves. When symptoms do appear, they should not be ignored, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos or have had contact with someone who has. By providing all the information possible, you will make it easier for your doctor to make a correct diagnosis and to provide you with the most helpful treatment and advice.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma which affects the pleura, the membrane which lines the lungs and chest cavity. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness, difficulty with swallowing, pain in the chest wall, and the presence of fluid around the lung. There may also be fever and weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when the cancer affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms can include abdominal swelling and pain, obstruction of the bowel, appetite loss, nausea, and weight loss. There may also be breathing and swallowing problems, and swelling of the face and neck.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma. It occurs when the cancer affects the heart and surrounding tissue. Symptoms can include a persistent cough, palpitations, difficulty with breathing, and chest pain.
Because there are often no symptoms for many years, or because those symptoms can be mistaken as signs of other illnesses such as pneumonia, mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. It is often only when the later stages are reached, and the mesothelioma is at an advanced level, that symptoms manifest themselves. When symptoms do appear, they should not be ignored, especially if you have been exposed to asbestos or have had contact with someone who has. By providing all the information possible, you will make it easier for your doctor to make a correct diagnosis and to provide you with the most helpful treatment and advice.
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