What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms may vary based on the kind of cancer it is and also where in the body it occurs. Many mesothelioma patients are misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble the symptoms of common respiratory illnesses such as colds or flu.
In the later stages of pleural mysothelioma the symptoms become more distinct and may include breathing problems or chest pains. These symptoms can be alleviated by draining fluids from the lungs, or using chemotherapy to slow the growth of cancerous cells.
Pain
Pain is a common symptom of mesothelioma. Different types of mesothelioma have different pain-related symptoms, depending on the location where the cancer is situated. Pleural mesothelioma usually is associated with chest pain back, abdomen and (thoracic region). This type of cancer begins in the lining that surrounds each lung, which is known as the pleura. In rare cases, peritoneal cancer may cause abdominal pain as well.
Patients with mesothelioma often suffer from pain as the growth of their tumor and fluid buildup continues to press against organs. When mesothelioma forms in the lung linings and abdomen, it can affect the flow of fluids in the body. This can cause coughing, breathing issues, and a difficult time eating.
Other symptoms of pain that can occur include a loss in appetite, digestive issues or back pain. It can also lead to fatigue and affect sleep.
The mesothelioma-related pain is typically mild, but it can also be severe. The doctor might prescribe pain medications or other treatments to reduce pain. Opioids, such as morphine, are often used to treat mesothelioma that is moderate to severe pain. Many people are scared of becoming addicted to morphine. Doctors advise that a morphine addiction is not likely if the drug is taken only to control the pain caused by mesothelioma or related diseases.
Other medications used to help manage mesothelioma pain are antidepressants, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen. These drugs are typically utilized in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Breathlessness
Breathlessness can make it difficult for you to do simple tasks. If you notice a sudden loss of breath or it is aggravated by physical activity, you should visit your doctor. To check for symptoms, they will ask you about your health history and whether you have been exposed to asbestos. They may also conduct an examination to check for mesothelioma-related signs, for example, fluid in the chest cavity, lungs or abdomen.
Mesothelioma affects tissues around the organs and lungs. Malignant pleural mesothelioma can affect the tissues of the chest and lungs. Other forms of mesothelioma affect the abdominal tissue or pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. In both cases asbestos exposure can lead to mesothelioma.
If exposed to asbestos, fibers can infiltrate the lungs and other parts of the body via the mouth or nose. They can enter the airways with the smallest size and irritate their lining. This can cause the cells to develop into tumors. The tumors can spread and cause symptoms such as breathlessness.
A doctor can identify mesothelioma using physical examination, blood tests and imaging scans. A biopsy is a way to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays are the most commonly used imaging test for mesothelioma.
In some instances doctors may perform a test called FDG -positron emission Tomography (PET) to check the lymphnodes located in the middle of the chest. These tests involve giving a small amount of radioactive compound to the patient and taking pictures. Cancer cells absorb the compound and appear brighter in the images than normal tissues.
Weight loss
Mesothelioma can cause a decline in appetite due to tumors pressing the stomach or other digestive organs. Many patients with mesothelioma also experience nausea and vomiting which can also reduce appetite.
Fatigue is a typical symptom of mesothelioma. This symptom could be caused by mesothelioma or treatment for it. A healthy diet can reduce fatigue and boost energy levels. Patients should consume foods that are rich in protein such as chicken, eggs, and fish. It is also recommended to avoid foods that are high in sugar or fat.
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the tissues of the abdominal cavity, chest and various other areas of the body. It usually begins in the lining that surrounds the lungs (the Pleura) however, it may also begin in the tissues of the peritoneum or heart. Most often, mesothelioma develops as the result of asbestos exposure.
The symptoms that are early appear similar to other illnesses, such as pneumonia or the flu. This means that they are easily mistakenly diagnosed. Mesothelioma is also diagnosed after it has spread.
Doctors can identify Mesothelioma with a physical examination and by taking a history of asbestos exposure. They can also perform diagnostic tests to determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as detect tumors. These tests include CT scanners, ultrasounds and MRIs. Doctors can also conduct a biopsy to test a tissue sample for mesothelioma cells. This will give a conclusive result. If a tumor is detected, a doctor will recommend treatment to stop it from spreading further.
Loss of appetite
Inhaling mesothelioma asbestos fibers may cause irritation to the lungs and lead to a loss of appetite. Mesothelioma symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue and breathing difficulties can also hinder appetite. Lack of appetite can cause weight loss, which can lead to cachexia.
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the type and stage of cancer. Patients with pleural cancer have abdominal and chest discomfort, nausea, weakness, and an unexplained loss of weight. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience similar symptoms, however they may also be suffering from a weak immune system, as well as perforation or obstruction of the bowel.
Patients should see their primary care physician or specialist immediately if they exhibit mesothelioma-related symptoms. The doctor will conduct a physical exam and review the patient’s past exposure to asbestos, his or her history of symptoms and family history. The doctor will run tests to determine mesothelioma stage and the location.
The mesothelioma stage describes how long the tumors are growing and if they have spread to other parts of the body or not. The doctor will employ an X-ray of the chest to look at the lungs and lung lining for signs of abnormal thickening or calcium deposits, as well as a CT scan to view internal organs.
The doctor will evaluate the results of these tests to determine if mesothelioma has progressed or is in its early stages. If the mesothelioma is advanced doctors can perform a biopsy and other tests to determine the kind and the location of the cancer. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and many doctors have never encountered it before, which could cause misdiagnosis.
Loss of smell
Mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos exposure, a mineral that was widely used in many industries. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the airways’ lining in the lung. This irritation can lead to damage and scarring that could cause abnormal cancer cells. Mesothelioma is when these cells multiply beyond control and create tumors. There are many different kinds of mesothelioma depending on the type of tissue that is affected. The most popular type is malignant pleural mesothelioma, that affects the lungs. Other types of mesothelioma include diaphragm, peritoneal, and mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis (the membrane that surrounds the testicles).
A doctor will diagnose mesothelioma after conducting an examination and asking patients about their exposure to asbestos. A patient can undergo blood tests, chest radiographs and CT scans to determine the stage and progress of the cancer.
As symptoms mesothelioma cancer expands, it can press against organs and nerves, causing discomfort and pain. Over 60% of pleural mesothelioma patients suffer from chest pain. 30 to 50% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients suffer from abdominal pain. Patients may also experience fatigue and weakness.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be difficult to differentiate from other diseases, particularly because they are able to develop over time. Asbestos is a hazardous material and it could take years before symptoms appear. Patients should always talk to a doctor about any unusual symptoms that manifest, no matter how unlikely they are to be mesothelioma. A physician can recommend the best method to identify the cancer and treated.
