What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
All mesothelioma types share some symptoms, including fever and fatigue. Others, such as chest pain and abdominal swelling are different depending on the type.
X-rays, CT scans, and biopsy are typically used to detect mesothelioma. These tests assist doctors in identifying the source of cancerous cells.
Chest Pain
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the tissue that lines the chest and abdomen, as well as the area around the heart. Malignant pleural mesothelioma usually starts in the lining of each lung (the pleura). It can also begin in the peritoneum which is the abdomen's lining. In the beginning, this rare cancer can be difficult to identify because it causes few symptoms.
Mesothelioma patients typically experience pain and difficulty breathing from the location of the tumor. A doctor can identify the condition through a physical exam and taking down a patient's medical history and any asbestos exposures that have occurred previously.
A chest X-ray, or CT scan can be requested by a doctor to look for fluid between the chest and lung walls. Pleural mesothelioma is often accompanied by pleural effusion that can restrict breathing. The doctors may drain the fluid to alleviate this problem.
The mesothelioma pain can cause fatigue and affect a person's appetite. Continuous pain can cause sleep disturbances and weight loss. Back pain can be an issue for mesothelioma sufferers. It can get worse over time, and can interfere with everyday life. This pain can be relieved with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen, or prescription opioids. Mesothelioma pain can also spread to the arms and legs. This is due to the pressure exerted by the tumor on nearby organs, especially the diaphragm and liver, as well as the cardiac liner.
Breathing shortness
If you've been diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, you might experience shortness of breath. Mesothelioma can affect the lungs, diaphragm and heart tissue which can cause pain and limit the lungs' capacity to expand properly. This can cause an inability to breathe deeply or at all. If you notice that your breathing becoming difficult or labored for no reason, schedule an appointment with your physician.
Pleural effusions can also be a result of mesothelioma. These pleural effusions can become so large that they can limit the lungs' expansion. These fluids don't always mean mesothelioma. They could also be caused by other illnesses, such as pneumonia. If they're accompanied by chest pains or coughing you should see your physician to ensure mesothelioma may not be the cause.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should keep a journal of their symptoms and discuss it with their doctor at each appointment to pinpoint patterns. They should discuss ways to manage their symptoms, such as using a decongestant or avoiding strenuous activities and sleeping in the position that makes breathing easier. Most often, patients with mesothelioma benefit from techniques that reduce stress, like meditation and yoga. Doctors can also suggest pain management specialists who can assist in reducing discomfort while treatment. They can also prescribe medication to ease the symptoms.
Loss of Appetite
Patients with mesothelioma may have difficulty eating or experience an appetite loss. These issues can be caused by chemotherapy, which weakens the immune system. This makes patients more prone to infection. They may also be linked to other side effects of cancer such as a dry cough or difficulty swallowing.
Mesothelioma tumors may also cause abdominal swelling and pain due to fluid buildup or obstruction of the bowel. This is known as ascites and occurs in the majority of patients suffering from malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. This sign is difficult to identify since it may be a resemblance what mesothelioma to other common illnesses, such as pneumonia or stomach flu.
If the symptoms get worse patients should see their doctor to discuss whether or not mesothelioma may be the cause. If a tumor is responsible for these symptoms, doctors can conduct a biopsy to remove a small sample of tissue to be examined. The biopsy is a simple and minimally invasive procedure that can provide an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis. A biopsy can be done by a doctor using surgery or by inserting an needle into the affected region. The tissue is then examined for mesothelioma tumor cells that are classified into three categories: epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid, which is a mix of both. Epithelioid cells are among the most common and have a better chance of survival than sarcomatoid ones.
Abdominal Pain
Many people suffering from pleural asbestosis experience stomach discomfort. The most prevalent form of the disease affects the lung lining and chest cavity, however it can also be found in the membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) or the membrane surrounding the heart (pericardium). Mesothelioma pain is typically felt in the belly area between the lower chest and groin. It can be felt spread all over the abdomen or confined to a specific region of the belly.
Abdominal pain can result from the tumor itself, or it could be due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, known as ascites. The fluid may squish internal organs, including the stomach, which can cause discomfort and a feeling of fullness. It can also trigger nausea and vomiting.
The mesothelioma-related pain can be severe or mild. The treatment for mild pain is usually by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines available over the counter such as ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen. For more intense pain, prescription medications such as codeine or hydrocodone may be needed.
Patients with mesothelioma should consult an expert whenever they experience symptoms that warrant medical attention. It is essential to receive prompt treatment because early detection can improve mesothelioma treatment outcomes and treatments. Mesothelioma patients must also talk to their doctors about complementary techniques such as exercises or meditation that could alleviate the mesothelioma pain in addition to traditional medicine.
Abdominal Discomfort
Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissues of your organs, such as your abdomen and chest. Pleural mesothelioma can affect the layers of tissue that cover your lungs, referred to as the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma is associated with abdominal pain and other signs related to fluid buildup around the lungs, also known as effusions of the pleura. In later stages, the tumor may also expand to other organs in your abdomen. This is known as metastasis.
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer, is not something that doctors are aware of. It is important that you seek out a specialist with extensive knowledge about mesothelioma, if you are diagnosed with this cancer.
The mesothelioma-related abdominal pain can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. It can be difficult to distinguish between pain caused by other conditions, such as gallstones or appendicitis.
If a doctor isn't sure what is causing abdominal pain, they can order tests such as a CT scan with contrast or an MRI. These tests will aid in identifying any abnormalities within your lining or surrounding tissues. They can also inject you with a non-toxic dye to make any masses appear better on an imaging.
Swelling
Tumors on the lining of your chest wall can cause swelling in your abdomen or chest. This can cause problems breathing or a dry cough. As the disease advances to stage 2 or more cancer cells may spread to the diaphragm or the heart's lining, or peritoneum. This can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss.
Mesothelioma symptoms can mimic the symptoms of a variety of other conditions, leading to a delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis. Mesothelioma also has a long latency. This means that symptoms can manifest 15 to 60 years after asbestos exposure.
Patients experiencing a chest X-ray or CT scan might notice signs of mesothelioma, such as a thickening or swelling of the pleura and calcium deposits. The pleura is the membrane that covers the outer lung, and mesothelioma forms on the pleura where asbestos fibers have lodged. This causes a buildup of fluid between the chest wall and lungs, which doctors call a pleural effusion.
This fluid can cause patients to have difficulty breathing because their lungs cannot expand. There are ways to drain the fluid that don't require invasive surgery. This can allow patients to breathe easier and reduce the severity their symptoms. In addition to surgery, some patients experience relief through complementary treatments like yoga and meditation. They can also take medications to ease nausea and pain.