Mesothelioma Symptoms The site of the tumor is what is the primary factor in determining the symptoms. The pleura (lining around the lung) is where most cases begin, however mesothelioma can also occur in the pericardium and peritoneum. Patients should be aware of any changes that aren't normal and seek medical attention if required. Some early symptoms include: an effusion in the pleura, pain or pressure in the chest, cough, and unexplained weight loss. Chest Pain or Pressure In the initial stages of pleural cancer, patients might not have obvious symptoms. If they do, then they will likely suffer from chest pain and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a constant dry cough. If a patient experiences these symptoms, they should contact their doctor for more information and to learn what treatment options are available to them. In pleural mesothelioma that is in late-stage, the symptoms become more severe and obvious. They include chest pain, breathing problems, a persistent cough and the accumulation of fluid inside the lungs (pleural effusion). A doctor will perform a physical examination and take an in-depth history of the patient's asbestos exposure when they observe any signs. They will also order several tests like X-rays or CT scans to look for signs of mesothelioma. They may also perform an in-person biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. It is essential to inform your doctor about any symptoms even if they appear mild, since mesothelioma may be a rare type of cancer. Many mesothelioma-related symptoms are similar to symptoms of other ailments, such as pneumonia or influenza. Mesothelioma can be found in any organ of the body's chest cavity and includes the surrounding lining of the heart (pericardium), lungs and abdomen. The symptoms vary depending on the location of the tumor. As an example, the symptoms of pericardial as well as pleural mesothelioma are often similar, like chest pain and shortness of breath. A doctor can identify mesothelioma of the pleural region by looking over the person's medical and employment history, and also taking an organ sample from a biopsy area in the lung region. The sample will be examined using a microscope in order to determine if the patient is suffering from mesothelioma. The doctors may also conduct other diagnostic tests, such as a chest X-ray or a positron emission (PET) scan, which can identify areas where the mesothelioma has gotten out of control. The doctors may prescribe treatments to ease pain and improve breathing if a mesothelioma is diagnosed. They can also send the patient to a clinical study to try out new treatments. Abdominal Pain or discomfort Lower abdominal pain can be caused by organ distention, inflammation or stretching (as in gallstones) or the loss of blood flow (as in intestinal obstruction or ischemic colonitis). Abdominal pain may also occur as a result of certain prescription and over-the counter medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen. If vomiting is accompanying stomach discomfort, your doctor might suggest fasting until the source of the pain can be determined. In the meantime, patients may take acetaminophen or antacids to ease the pain. Mesothelioma affects the tissues of the chest and lungs which is known as the pleura. As pleural msothelioma spreads it can cause the accumulation of fluid within the pleura. This can lead to breathing issues and chest pain. Pleural mesothelioma may also cause difficulty swallowing. It is a sign of advanced mesothelioma, and it may be associated with a dry cough that does not produce Phlegm. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common, but it can cause abdominal pain and swelling of the abdominal lining (peritoneum). In the late stages of peritoneal cancer tumors can grow to the point that they press on organs and cause a discomforting, bloated, and uncomfortable feeling. Peritoneal mesothelioma is also diagnosed through the absence of a cough accompanied by Phlegm. Fatigue and fever are also signs. The majority of times, these symptoms are mistaken as pneumonia or other respiratory ailments however, mesothelioma is diagnosed using X-rays, CT scans and tissue biopsies. To identify mesothelioma, doctors conduct a physical examination and may order imaging tests in order to examine the pleurae as well as lung for evidence of the presence of a tumor. A biopsy will be ordered if a mesothelioma has been identified. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, some patients may be eligible to receive life-extending treatments for cancers of the pleural, such as VATS to reduce breathlessness or chemotherapy and radiotherapy to shrink tumors. For patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma are able to receive relief from medications and nutrition therapy. Weight loss or appetite loss Loss of appetite or weight is a frequent mesothelioma treatment side effect, particularly chemotherapy. These treatments can also weaken the immune system of patients and make them more vulnerable to illnesses and infections. In addition, mesothelioma patients often experience difficulty swallowing due to the presence of tumors on or around their throat. It is essential to follow healthy eating habits and discuss any concerns regarding nutrition with your doctor. Many people with mesothelioma are not diagnosed until the disease has advanced to stage 3-4. This is due to the lengthy latency and slow onset symptoms. At this point the cancer is likely have spread throughout the body. The prognosis could be poor. If you have pleural msothelioma (the type that starts in the linings of the lungs) your doctor might recommend a lung biopsies to determine whether the cancer has caused any abnormal growths within or outside your lung. If the results of this test are inconclusive, your doctor will probably request an CT scan to obtain more precise images of the region. The scan can reveal any abnormalities and help doctors rule out mesothelioma as the reason behind the patient's symptoms. It can also reveal any blood clots that could be causing the patient's symptoms. Patients with pleural mesothelioma may undergo a surgical procedure called pleurodesis (or paracentesis) in which fluid is removed from the affected areas of the skin. This can help reduce breathlessness caused by the excess of fluid in the lungs. Abdominal pain is another symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma, which is the type that occurs in the lining of the abdomen. In addition, the majority of patients with peritoneal cancer suffer from a buildup of abdominal fluid, which is known asascites. This may cause abdominal swelling, nausea and weight loss. Depending on your mesothelioma type and stage, you may be prescribed medication to manage your symptoms. In addition to painkillers, some doctors might prescribe steroids. These medications can boost a patient's appetite and energy levels, as well as strength and can enhance their quality of life before, during or after mesothelioma treatment. Fever X-rays, CT scans and PET (positron emission tomography) scans are a few of the most commonly used tests to determine mesothelioma. These tests offer doctors high-resolution images which allow them to determine if the body is affected by any anomalies or if fluids are present around or in the tumor. Often, fluid buildup is a symptom of mesothelioma. The doctor will collect the fluid to test. The symptoms of mesothelioma differ based on the site of the cancer. For symptoms of mesothelioma caused by asbestos , which is found in the chest lining and lungs, may cause a dry cough, difficulty breathing and pain under the ribs or in the lower back. These symptoms are similar with the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses like flu and pneumonia. Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as a result. Patients who are suffering from mesothelioma should inform their doctor immediately so that they can be evaluated. A doctor may conduct a physical examination and ask about previous asbestos exposure. They can also conduct tests using blood or imaging. In general, doctors start with a simple X-ray or CT scan. If the test shows asbestos exposure doctors will then move on to higher resolution tests. These include the CT scan using FDG or PET (positron-emission tomography), which helps doctors determine the most likely cause of mesothelioma. After examining the patients they may then perform the procedure of a biopsy. They may use a needle to obtain tissue under anesthesia. Alternatively, they could place a camera that is small between the chest wall and the lung under CT guidance. If the test results reveal mesothelioma, the doctors will run additional tests to determine the nature of the cancer and its stage. Tumors can spread to different parts of the body during mesothelioma in late-stage. This could make the symptoms more extensive and difficult to detect. People who have mesothelioma must be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms that last for long periods of time and notify their doctor as soon as they can. The earlier mesothelioma can be diagnosed, the more options for treatment are available, and a patient's chances of a successful outcome increase.
symptoms of mesothelioma caused by asbestos
