Mesothelioma Symptoms

When cancer begins in the membrane that surrounds the lungs, mesothelioma symptoms may include shortness of breath and pain in the chest or under the ribcage. If the cancer starts in the mesothelial tissue covering the organs in the abdominal cavity, symptoms such as weight loss and abdominal pain may develop. Sometimes, signs and symptoms will not appear until 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins within the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding most of the organs in the body. Most mesotheliomas begin within the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma symptoms will vary, depending on where the tumor is located.

Pleural Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often include:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

• Weight loss
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Abdominal swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (stomach).

Other symptoms may also include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Blood-clotting abnormalities
• Anemia
• Fever.

Metastatic Mesothelioma Symptoms

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face.

Asbestos Exposure and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Up to 90 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are related to asbestos exposure. The risk for developing mesothelioma in those with heavy asbestos exposure is 7 to 10 percent. However, symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

Mesothelioma Symptoms: Final Thoughts

The possible symptoms of mesothelioma described in this article are not sure signs of the disease. Other more common, less serious conditions can cause similar symptoms. If you are experiencing any possible mesothelioma symptoms, visit your healthcare provider so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.

Source : http://mesothelioma.emedtv.com/mesothelioma/mesothelioma-symptoms.html