What Are Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Patients with pleural mesothelioma could experience pain and shortness of breath, and fluid in the lung (pleural effusion). Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that can be a threat to the abdomen, lungs, and peritoneum. The earliest mesothelioma symptoms often look like symptoms of other, more common illnesses.
Pain
Pain is a typical symptom of mesothelioma and can manifest in different parts of the body. Mesothelioma patients often experience chest or back pain related to the mesothelioma type they have and also fatigue and nausea. These symptoms are the result of the growth of the tumors and pressing on nerves and organs. It can cause fatigue and impact daily activities, but there are treatments that can aid.
Cancer cells can develop within the linings and generate fluid. This can result in pressure on the organs surrounding them which makes it difficult to breathe. Additionally the fluid may cause bloating or swelling in the abdomen. Patients can seek assistance in managing discomfort from a mesothelioma specialist.
Early on the pain from pleural cancer is usually confined to the chest’s left side. As mesothelioma progresses, the pain increases as the tumors and fluid grow. This can affect the diaphragm, the heart as well as the lining of the lungs that can cause chest pain and trouble breathing.
It can also be caused by pain as mesothelioma grows to other areas of the body, such as the bones and muscles. This can cause fatigue and a loss of appetite. Pain is managed by the combination of medication and palliative care.
Patients who experience pain should keep track of it in a diary of symptom. This could include details such as how intense the pain is, how often it occurs, where the pain comes from and where it goes. This can help doctors diagnose mesothelioma, and determine which treatments will be most effective to ease the pain. In mild instances, pain can be treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. If the pain becomes severe, doctors can prescribe narcotics, such as hydrocodone, codeine or methadone.
Loss of Appetite
The pain of mesothelioma and difficulty swallowing may reduce appetite. The fluid buildup around the lungs may compress the digestive tract which makes it difficult to get enough nutrients into your system. No matter what is causing you to stop eating it is important to ensure that your body gets sufficient nutrition. This will aid in fighting cancer and deal with negative side effects from treatment.
Fatigue is another common mesothelioma symptom. It could be caused by the disease, the treatment or a combination. The fatigue can make it difficult to concentrate and complete everyday tasks. Talk to your doctor if you are always tired. You might need more rest and less stress, or a more nutritious diet.
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the site of the tumor and the organs it affects. Pleural mesothelioma, for example is a tumor that affects the linings of your lungs and can lead to lung problems like breathlessness, chest pain, or a dry cough. This mesothelioma type can also cause a pleural effusion, which is the accumulation of fluid between the lungs and chest wall. These symptoms could be mistaken for flu or bronchitis, as well as pneumonia. Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the heart (pericardial) causes similar symptoms, however they are more severe and less likely to be mistaken for other ailments.
Malignant mesothelioma can spread to other parts of the body. If this happens, you may suffer from other symptoms, such as abdominal pain and fever, weight loss and a change in bowel habits. Peritoneal mesothelioma for instance, can cause swelling and abdominal pain. Ascites, a buildup in the abdomen of excess fluid, may also be caused by this condition.
Breathing Shortness
Mesothelioma typically begins in the tissues that cover every lung (the pleura). It can also begin in the peritoneum, the tissue that covers the organs of your stomach. Mesothelioma may not be a cause of symptoms until it grows large enough to press against a nerve or another body organ.
One of the most commonly reported mesothelioma symptoms is a shortness of breath. This is usually caused by the accumulation of fluid around and in the lungs, known as pleural effusion. The effusions impede the area into which the lungs can expand, causing difficulty breathing and feelings of suffocation. It could also be caused by the growth of tumors that are located on the pleura, or through surgery or other treatments for mesothelioma.
As the disease advances, cancerous cells may expand or metastasize to different organs, like the diaphragm and heart which can cause breathing problems. Mesothelioma also can stiffen the affected tissues. This can decrease the flexibility of the diaphragm, heart and the lungs. This can make it difficult to breathe.
If you are experiencing breathing problems discuss with your doctor about them right away. Your doctor can help you manage your symptoms by prescribing pain relievers or diet changes. They may also suggest support groups and other resources to aid you in managing your health issue. They might recommend a procedure known as thoracentesis which drains excess liquid from the chest cavity. This procedure may help patients suffering from pleural effusions and improve their breathing. It is possible to undergo this procedure on an outpatient basis. If your doctor isn’t offering this option, it’s recommended to get an opinion from mesothelioma experts.
Nausea
One of the most common side effects of mesothelioma treatments is nausea. This is because chemotherapy which weakens your immune system. Certain patients are more affected than others depending on the severity of their treatment regimen. It is crucial to speak to your doctor if these symptoms are evident.
Fatigue is a frequent mesothelioma-related symptom. It can be caused by a number of causes, including the lack of nutrition, medications, and mesothelioma itself. In some cases mesothelioma-related symptoms, it can cause back pain, which could be a result of the tumor that affects the structures of the spine or chest.
Anyone suffering from mesothelioma should be aware of any breathing issues because they could signal that the cancer has taken on a new form. Breathing what is mesothelioma and persistent cough are all signs. In certain cases mesothelioma can cause a buildup of fluid in the lungs and chest known as pleural effusion. This can result in breathing difficulties as it prevents the lungs to expand as they are supposed to.
Other signs of mesothelioma can be seen as lumps in the testicles as well as the spleen. These are a sign of testicular or pericardial mesothelioma. These rare forms of mesothelioma occur when the tissues of the lungs and organs are inflamed. Those with mesothelioma may also experience abdominal pain and loss of appetite. This is due to asbestos fibers may stick to the organs’ linings, causing them to become inflamed and develop tumors. It can take years after exposure for mesothelioma to show up. It is important to consult your physician immediately if you notice any signs of mesothelioma.
Weight Loss
In many cases, the symptoms of mesothelioma, as well as the effects of treatment make it hard for patients to eat enough. This causes malnutrition and weight loss. A dietician can work with the patient’s family to help them eat healthier during their cancer treatment.
For instance, pleural mesothelioma can cause fluid accumulation between the lung and chest wall and can decrease appetite. In these instances doctors can drain the pleural fluid by an ultrasound-guided needle aspiration or with more extensive open surgery. The team could offer an indwelling drain that is cleaned out several times a week to alleviate the buildup of fluid and chest pain.
A person with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region can experience discomfort and pain in the abdomen, which may also lead to a loss of appetite. The tumors can cause stomach irritation and a feeling fullness, bloating or constipation. In some cases, large tumours can prevent the bowel from functioning properly, resulting in weight loss and a loss of appetite.
Mesothelioma treatment may alter the way the body metabolizes carbohydrates, proteins and fats, which can make it more difficult to maintain an ideal weight. The doctor may provide nutritional supplements and recommend a diet with a variety foods.
It is important for a mesothelioma patient to pay attention to any symptoms, including unexplained weight loss. Patients who experience symptoms should talk to their doctor as soon as possible, especially in the event of a history of asbestos exposure. The patient should seek a mesothelioma diagnosis and a referral to an expert. The victim may also want to join a mesothelioma group or an organization which provides emotional and social support for people affected by this disease.
