Asbestos does its damage quietly over a period of decades, going unnoticed. When mesothelioma finally produces symptoms, it masquerades as common and less serious illnesses, fooling patients and doctors alike. Mesothelioma is typically diagnosed in the later stages. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the area of the body affected and the stage of the disease. Although there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are treatments to relieve some of the symptoms and extend quality of life.
Mesothelioma Symptoms – All Types
Many mesothelioma symptoms are specific to the type of mesothelioma you have, but there are some symptoms that are common to all types. These include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Pain
- Anemia
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs. Common symptoms include:
- Hoarseness
- Wheezing
- Persistent cough that is dry and non-productive
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath including shortness of breath that occurs while at rest
- Painful breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Rib pain
- Lumps on the chest, under the skin
- Pleural effusion – fluid surrounding the lungs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Anemia
Pleural mesothelioma is often initially misdiagnosed, delaying treatment and allowing the cancer to progress even more. Pleural mesothelioma may be mistaken for:
- Cold
- Flu
- Laryngitis
- Whooping cough
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Bruised or broken ribs
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdomen and the protective membrane that surrounds, supports and lubricates the abdominal organs is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms can include:
- Unexplained weight loss while the abdomen grows larger
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal swelling
- Build up of fluid in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Bowel obstruction
- Lumps under the skin of the abdomen
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Anemia
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
The pericardium is the thin sac around the heart. It keeps the heart in its proper position, protects it from infection and inflammation, and lubricates the heart so that it can move normally. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma often include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Palpitations
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breath with activity or at rest
- Difficulty breathing while lying down
- Fever
- Night sweats
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to recover substantial compensation which can pay for your medical care and more. Please contact AccidentAttorneys.org to be connected with an experienced asbestos illness attorney in your area right away.
