Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on where the tumor forms. The majority of cases begin in the pleura, the lining that surrounds the lungs. However, mesothelioma may develop in the pericardium and peritoneum.
Patients should be aware of any changes that are not normal and seek medical attention if necessary. Some early symptoms include: the presence of pleural effusion and pressure or pain in the chest, coughing and unexplained weight loss.
Chest Pain or Pressure
In the early stages of pleural mesothelioma, patients may not experience any obvious symptoms. If they do, they are likely to have chest pain and trouble breathing. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a persistent and dry cough. If you notice these symptoms, contact your doctor to get more information and to learn how you can treat yourself.
In the late stage of pleural mesothelioma the symptoms are more severe and evident. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing with a persistent cough, and an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (pleural effusion).
When a patient experiences any of these symptoms, their doctor will want to take an in-depth history of their exposure to asbestos and also conduct an examination. They will also order several tests, such as X-rays and CT scans to look for indications of mesothelioma. They will also perform a tissue biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis.
It is important to tell your doctor about any signs, even if they are mild, as mesothelioma can be a rare form of cancer. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed because many of its symptoms are similar to those of illnesses that affect other areas of the body, such as pneumonia or influenza.
Mesothelioma can be found in any organ of the body's chest cavity, including the lining around the heart (pericardium), lungs and abdomen. The symptoms vary based on where the tumor is located. For instance, the symptoms of pericardial and mesothelioma pleural are typically similar, such as chest pain and shortness of breath.
A doctor can identify mesothelioma of the pleural region by looking over a person's medical and employment background, as well as taking an organ sample from a biopsy site within the lung area. They will then look at the specimen under microscopes to determine whether they have mesothelioma.
The doctors may also conduct other diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray of the chest or a positron emission (PET) scan, which can determine the areas where mesothelioma is spreading. If a mesothelioma has been identified, doctors can recommend treatments to reduce pain and improve breathing. They can also send patients to a clinical trial to evaluate new treatment options.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
The lower abdomen is a common area of pain. It may be due to inflammation (as as with peptic ulcers, appendicitis or diverticulitis) organ distention and stretching (as with gallstones) or the loss of blood supply (as with intestinal obstruction or ischemic colitis). Certain prescription and over-the-counter medicines, like anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen can cause abdominal pain as a side-effect. If vomiting is accompanied by stomach pain, your doctor may recommend a fast until the source of the pain is identified. In the meantime, patients may take acetaminophen and antacids to ease the pain.
Mesothelioma affects the tissue of the chest and lungs that is known as the pleura. As pleural mesothelioma grows it may cause fluid to build up in the pleura. This can lead to breathing problems and radiating chest pain. Difficulty swallowing is another symptom of mesothelioma pleural. It is an indication of advanced mesothelioma, and it may be associated with dry cough that does not produce Phlegm.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma, though less frequent, can cause abdominal swelling and pain. In the final stages of peritoneal cancer, tumors can become so large that they encroach onto organs and cause discomforting, bloated, and uncomfortable feeling.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can also be diagnosed through a cough that doesn't produce phlegm. Fever and fatigue are also signs. These symptoms are often mistaken for respiratory ailments or pneumonia. But, mesothelioma is diagnosed with X-rays CT scans and biopsy of the tissue.
To diagnose mesothelioma, doctors will perform a physical exam and order imaging tests to examine the lung and pleura for signs of a tumor. If a mesothelioma has been identified, doctors will order an examination to determine an official diagnosis. Depending on how severe the symptoms are and the severity of the symptoms, some patients might be in a position to receive life-extending treatment for pleural cancer, such as VATS to reduce breathlessness or radiotherapy and chemotherapy to shrink tumors. For patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma can get relief from medication and nutrition therapy.
Loss of Appetite or Weight Loss
Loss of appetite or weight is a common side-effect of mesothelioma treatments, particularly chemotherapy. These treatments may also weaken the immune system of a patient and make them more vulnerable to infections and other diseases.
Mesothelioma sufferers may also experience difficulty swallowing due to the growths or tumors that surround their throat. Because of this, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet and talk to your doctor about any nutritional concerns you might have.
A lot of patients with mesothelioma are not diagnosed until the disease has reached stage 3-4. This is due to the prolonged latency and slow-onset symptoms. By this stage, the cancer is likely to have spread throughout the body. The prognosis could be poor.
If you have pleural msothelioma (the type that starts in the linings around the lungs) Your doctor might suggest a lung biopsies in order to determine whether the cancer has caused any abnormal growths within or outside your lung. If the results aren't conclusive, your doctor might suggest an CT scan to get a more detailed image of the area.
The scan can reveal any abnormalities and aid in determining whether mesothelioma is the cause as the reason for a patient's symptoms. It can also identify any blood clots which could be causing the patient's symptoms.
Patients with pleural mesothelioma may undergo a surgical procedure known as pleurodesis (or paracentesis) in which fluid is removed from the affected areas of the skin. This may reduce breathlessness because of the excessive fluid in the lung.
Abdominal pain is a different symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma, which is the type that occurs in the abdominal lining. Additionally, the majority of patients with peritoneal cancer have a buildup in abdominal fluid, also known as ascites. This can what are the symptoms for mesothelioma cause abdominal swelling, weight loss and nausea.
Based on the mesothelioma type and stage, you may be prescribed medication to control your symptoms. In addition to painkillers and other medications, some doctors might prescribe steroids. These drugs can improve the patient's appetite, energy levels and strength, and may improve their lives prior to, during or following mesothelioma treatment.
Fever
X-rays, CT scans and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are some of the most frequently used tests to detect mesothelioma. These tests provide doctors with high-resolution images of the body that let them see if there are any abnormalities or if there is fluid in and around the lung tumor. The accumulation of fluid can be a sign of mesothelioma. The doctor will test a sample.
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is located. Pleural mesothelioma can trigger a dry cough, hacking and breathing difficulties, and pain in the lower back or under the ribs. These symptoms are similar with those of other respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and flu. This is why mesothelioma is frequently mistakenly diagnosed.
Patients who are experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms should inform their doctor as soon as possible, so they can be examined. A physician can perform an examination of the body and inquire about any asbestos exposures that have occurred in the past. They will also perform tests for blood and imaging.
In general, doctors will start with a simple X-ray or CT scan. If the test suggests asbestos exposure doctors will then move on to tests with higher resolution. These include an CT scan using FDG or PET (positron-emission tomography) which can help doctors determine the most likely cause of mesothelioma.
After examining the patients the doctor may decide to take the procedure of a biopsy. They can utilize a needle to take tissue under anesthesia, or they may insert a camera that is small between the chest wall and the lung under CT guidance. If the test results show mesothelioma, doctors will conduct additional tests to determine the type of cancer and the stage.
In mesothelioma with a late stage tumors, the cancer is more advanced and can expand to other areas of the body. This makes the symptoms more extensive and difficult to detect. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be aware of any symptoms or signs that last for several months or years, and should notify them when they become apparent to their physician. The earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the more effective treatment options and the likelihood of a good outcome are for patients.