WHAT ARE THE FIRST SIGNS OF MESOTHELIOMA?
As a health professional, I am always very wary about giving lists of symptoms. Human nature being what it is, we can all convince ourselves that the symptoms listed are exactly those from which we are suffering. The result? Panic, unnecessary worry, and very busy doctors.
So, please be aware that the symptoms that follow can also be indicative of other, much less serious, illnesses.
The disease often makes its presence felt by a build up of fluid in the area being affected. This is known as an effusion, which can also be caused by an infection. If this build up of fluid is in the abdomen, it is known as ascites.
Fluid build up in the chest cavity will lead to shortness of breath and chest pain, which may be right or left sided. In fact, 90% of pleural mesothelioma patients present with these symptoms.
Fluid build up in the abdomen will lead to a swollen abdomen and, possibly, pain. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma take longer to show themselves than those of pleural mesothelioma.
These signs and symptoms mimic those of many other diseases. If you experience any of the symptoms in the following list and have a history of contact with asbestos it is vital that:
You visit a doctor immediately
You tell that doctor you have been in contact with asbestos
Remember that the latent phase of mesothelioma, that is the length of time it takes for symptoms to develop, is between 20 to 40 years so you must mention any asbestos contact, no matter how long ago it may have been.
The signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma
shortness of breath
chest pain
back pain
difficulty swallowing
fever
nausea
weight loss
persistent cough
The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
abdominal swelling
abdominal pain
weight loss
nausea
swelling of the feet