Symptoms of mesothelioma take some years to become apparent. In other words it has a long latency period. This makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. The person may repeatedly visit the doctor with the sensations or changes but more often considered as respiratory infections. The non-specific sensations or changes make it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Even people exposed to asbestos begin showing the manifestation late in their life. By the time, mesothelioma is diagnosed, it is already widespread. However, the consciousness of mesothelioma has made persons observe it in early stages.
Manifestation of mesothelioma largely depends upon the emplacement size and nature of the tumor. Sign and sensations or changes likewise depend upon whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Benign type of mesothelioma ordinarily does not manifest itself. On the other hand, malignant type of mesothelioma has severe symptoms. It is for the most part due to the pressure exerted on surrounding soft tissues. The malignancy may invade surrounding tissues or may result in pericardial or pleural effusion. Invasion of the chest wall may lead to chest pain.
The early sensations or changes to watch out for are:
- Hemoptysis or Blood in the sputum
- A cough or a modify in cough pattern
- Dysphagia or Difficulty in swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Shortness of breath
- Pain in the chest or abdomen
- Significant Weight loss.
Among all types of mesothelioma, the pleural form is the most prevalent form. As a result the pleural sensations or changes are the most mutual manifestations of mesothelioma. When in early stages, the sensations or changes are more or less like pneumonia and accordingly ofttimes misdiagnosed. However these sensations or changes along with history of asbestos exposure ought to ring alarms for mesothelioma. Physicians must be well conscious of it as normally they are the introductory to get in contact with the patient.
Pleural mesothelioma
Dyspnoea or shortness of breath along with chest pain is mutual manifestation of pleural mesothelioma. Pleural effusion caused by collection of liquid amongst the two linings of lungs and chest cavity may give rise to persistent cough. On chest radiography a build-up of liquid or pleural effusion may be apparent indicating viral pneumonia.
The less mutual sensations or changes of pleural mesothelioma are:
- Chest pain
- Pain in the lower back
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Muscle weakness and sensory loss
- Swelling of the face and arms
- Hoarseness of voice
- Coughing up blood
A majority of persons who requires medical care do not show any sign and sensations or changes until late.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
It involves structures like abdomen, stomach cavity, liver, spleen or the bowel. The origin of peritoneal mesothelioma is ordinarily abdomen, from where it spreads to adjoining organs. The sensations or changes of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
- Pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Anemia or swelling of the feet
- Abdominal bloating due to liquid accumulation in the abdominal cavity
- Swelling of the feet
- Fever
- Impaired bowel function
The sensations or changes are a consequence of pressure exerted by the growing mass. This growing tumor may also cause breathing problems, and chest pain in addition to these symptoms. These sensations or changes result from tumors that lean versus the abdominal wall. Mesothelioma in peritoneum, owing to it is space occupying tendency may give rise to bowel obstruction, anemia, fever and difficulties with blood clotting.
Pericardial mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very not common form affecting the pericardium. Pericardium is the cavity amongst the linings of the heart. The tumor that grows in the tissue surrounding heart have a tendancy to disseminate from there. Pericardial mesothelioma sufferers may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent coughing and palpitations. Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances.
The sensations or changes for all types of mesothelioma become more acute and evident with the progression of the disease. In spite of it, it may be mistaken as other disease condition. The only differentiating feature is the history of exposure of asbestos. Therefore, it is critical to investigate one’s exposure to asbestos. Symptoms like pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, cough, fever, sweating, fatigue and weight loss may be very common, but the doctor must elucidate the history of asbestos exposure to rule out the presence of tumor.