Sunday, September 19, 2010

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Cancer

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is primarily caused by exposure to certain types of asbestos, a material once used in building construction. Symptoms of Mesothelioma do not appear immediately after being exposed it takes about 25 to 50 years after the initial exposure to develop those symptoms. It is a slow progressing disease that usually occurs to middle age groups and senior adults after their exposure to asbestos. Like other types of cancer sometimes the disease is asymptomatic, that means there are no symptoms.

The symptoms of Mesothelioma vary greatly from person to person and also on the type of Mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial) the patient is affected with.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma affects the pleura, the lining of the lungs. It is the most common type of Mesothelioma. One of the most common and specific symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest cavity. This causes shortness of breath and requires a doctor to drain the fluid with the help of a fine-needle that makes breathing easier and relieves chest pain. Symptoms of pleural Mesothelioma include:

* Persistent cough
* Shortness of breath
* Chest pain
* Wheezing

People with mesothelioma, chest x-rays may reveal pleural effusion. This is a condition where fluid begins to accumulate outside lungs. Blood clots can also occur in some cases.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma include:

* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling
* Abdominal mass
* Nausea or vomiting
* Change in bowel habits

As peritoneal Mesothelioma advances, a person might experience night sweats, anemia, fever, or even a bowel obstruction.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma affects the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds the heart. The pericardium is a cell that produces a lubricating fluid that protects the heart. They allow the heart to move freely when it is pumping blood to other parts of your body. It is the least common type affecting about five percent of people with the disease. Pericardial Mesothelioma symptoms include:

* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath even when not exerting energy
* Heart palpitations or irregular breathing
* Fatigue

Prompt Medical Treatment after Diagnosis

In most cases, the spread of cancer has already occurred even if detected by current and sophisticated medical tests. When all Mesothelioma stages are considered together, 5 year survival rate is only about 14%. Early Mesothelioma is diagnosed incidentally. It is found as a result of the tests that are done for an unrelated medical condition. .When any worker, a friend, or a family member of a worker having worked in an asbestos environment seem to fall ill without a reason should ensure that they get themselves checked for Mesothelioma cancer..

Unfortunately Mesothelioma does not cause any symptoms until it has spread too far to be cured. Symptoms do occur in some patients with early Mesothelioma. Prompt attention to symptoms especially if there is a history of asbestos exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment can cure some patients who are in initial stage of cancer. For others, prompt attention to symptoms can improve the livelihood. Proper treatment can extend their life and relieve then from many symptoms.

 
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