Malignant Mesothelioma Symptoms
Malignant mesothelioma symptoms may be chronic, uncomfortable, painful and life threatening. The symptoms are not specific to this rare asbestos cancer, meaning that they are the same as those associated with a number of other conditions.
Although mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type, they often involve the lungs. As such, malignant mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as bronchitis, asthma or pneumonia.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Of the three types of malignant mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is the most common. Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, a serous membrane lining the lungs. Its symptoms are associated with a diminished lung capacity and may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Sleep loss
- Weight loss
These symptoms may result from pleural effusion or pleural thickening. Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid within the pleural space (between the chest cavity and lungs) that can cause shortness of breath and other breathing problems. The fluid may be drained to relieve the pressure and its associated symptoms.
Pleural thickening is the scarring and hardening of the pleural tissue. The development of tumors on the pleura can affect the flexibility of the serous membrane, impeding lung expansion. This may result in breathing problems and chest pain.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, a serous membrane lining the abdomen. Although peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma, it is significantly less common than pleural mesothelioma. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are often associated with abdominal discomfort and may include:
- Weight loss
- Abdominal swelling
- Chronic cough
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
The chest pain, coughing and breathing problems associated with peritoneal mesothelioma often result from tumors putting upward pressure on the peritoneum.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, a serous membrane lining the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is the least common type of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 10 percent of all confirmed cases of the rare cancer. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are similar to those of pleural mesothelioma; this can be attributed to the pericardial tumor’s proximity to the lungs. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat)
- Weight loss
An effusion can cause fluid to build up within the pericardium. This fluid can be drained to relieve pressure and prevent heart problems. Pericardial effusion may affect heart functionality, causing heart palpitations or other life-threatening irregularities.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Typically, onset of one or more of the aforementioned symptoms serves as the first step toward a mesothelioma diagnosis. Due to the chronic nature of mesothelioma symptoms, sufferers typically must make frequent visits to their physician.
If mesothelioma is suspected, a number of diagnostic tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis. These tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and positron emission tomography (PET). Although such imaging tests may suggest the presence of mesothelioma cancer, a biopsy is required for confirmation.
In addition to confirming a case of mesothelioma, a biopsy can be used to determine type (pleural, peritoneal or pericardial) and stage. This information is integral in treatment planning.
Our attorneys are gifted California mesothelioma attorneys who have filed a number of mesothelioma lawsuits in California and across the country. These lawsuits have helped our clients to receive compensation for the devastating illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
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