Mesothelioma Symptoms

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 There are essentially three types of mesothelioma: pleural (affects the lungs), peritoneal (affects the abdomen), and pericardial (affects the heart).  Although the mesothelioma symptoms are similar for all three types of this disease, there are, however, some clearly definable and measurable differences.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

The most common type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma.  In fact, of the reported mesothelioma cases, approximately 75% are classified as pleural mesothelioma.  This form of mesothelioma attacks the lungs and respiratory areas of the body. 

Stated differently, pleural mesothelioma attacks the cells and the lining (known as the pleura) of the lungs and ribs.  Plural mesothelioma causes shortness of breath and/or chronic coughing that can easily be associated with symptoms from allergies, the flu, or from a common cold. 

In many cases pleural mesothelioma is discovered by accident when patients see their doctors about cold-related or flu-related symptoms.

Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• chronic coughing that worsens over time
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• fatigue
• wheezing
• lung infection
• swollen lymph nodes
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• chest pain

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Another type of mesothelioma cancer is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 20% of all mesothelioma cases.  This type of mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines and can be just as dangerous and deadly as pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• pain or swelling in the abdomen
• weight loss
• bowel obstruction
• blockage in the small / large intestine
• anemia
• fever

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is the most infrequent form of this rare asbestos-linked cancer. Individuals with this form of malignant mesothelioma have cancerous growths in tissues surrounding the heart.  

Due to the rarity of this cancer, moreover, pericardial mesothelioma has not been definitely associated with asbestos exposure, although strong links between asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma have been made.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include the following:

• chest pain
• labored breathing
• cough
• palpitations
• shortness of breath
• hoarseness
• difficulty swallowing
• coughing up blood

Mesothelioma Symptoms:  Conclusion

For those who are exposed to asbestos or have been exposed have a risk of obtaining mesothelioma, it is important that mesothelioma is diagnosed in its early stages so that it can be treated quickly and aggressively.  The earlier it is discovered, the more likely the treatment will be successful. 

This being said, a mesothelioma doctor will have to examine you to determine which type of mesothelioma you have.  This is necessary due to the fact that although the mesothelioma symptoms for all three types of the disease overlap, there are, however, some definite differences.  In fact, it is these differences that will help the doctor determine which type of the disease you may or may not have.

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