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With the long period of time that can go by between the exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is difficult to make both diagnosis and effective treatment. Even when symptoms are evident, the symptoms are so general and non-specific that they could be attributed to any number of common diseases. This makes it difficult for the physicians to make a conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. Quite often, the symptoms are confused with pneumonia during its early stage.
In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms. When it does develop, they are often caused by the cancer pressuring on a nerve or body organ.
The symptoms can be as following….
For pleural mesothelioma (lungs) –
• Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
• A persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• A hoarse or husky voice
• Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
• Sweating and fevers
• Difficulty swallowing
For peritoneal mesothelioma (abdomen) –
• Pain in the abdomen (stomach)
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Feeling or being sick
• Poor appetite
• Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
• Diahrea or constipation
The symptoms listed above are all more likely to be caused by some other illness, rather than being caused directly by mesothelioma. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, do see your doctors as those symptoms can be attributed to the dangerous effect of asbestos.
Note: Please keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other less serious conditions. Only a doctor can make a clearer diagnosis. Please see your physician.
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