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Symptom
With the long period of time that can go by between the exposure to
asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is difficult to make both
diagnosis and effective treatment. Even when symptoms are evident,
the symptoms are so general and non-specific that they could be
attributed to any number of common diseases. This makes it difficult
for the physicians to make a conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma
patients. Quite often, the symptoms are confused with pneumonia
during its early stage.
In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms. When it
does develop, they are often caused by the cancer pressuring on a
nerve or body organ.
The symptoms can be as following
For pleural mesothelioma (lungs)
Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
A persistent cough
Shortness of breath
A hoarse or husky voice
Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
Sweating and fevers
Difficulty swallowing
For peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen)
Pain in the abdomen (stomach)
Swelling in the abdomen
Feeling or being sick
Poor appetite
Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
Diahrea or constipation
The symptoms listed above are all more likely to be caused by some other
illness, rather than being caused directly by mesothelioma. If you
have been exposed to asbestos in the past, do see your doctors as
those symptoms can be attributed to the dangerous effect of
asbestos.
Note: Please keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by
mesothelioma or by other less serious conditions. Only a doctor can
make a clearer diagnosis. Please see your physician. |
