Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that begins in the chest or abdominal
region. The most common types of mesothelioma are pleural mesothelioma and
peritoneal mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma are no different from
those of many other forms of cancer.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are similar to those of many other types of
cancer. Although most symptoms of mesothelioma involve the lungs, throat, chest
or abdomen, it can also affect the abdomen and chest. Mesothelioma symptoms may
include:
Those symptoms listed above are the most common symptoms of mesothelioma.
However, they are not considered "essential" as they may also occur
due to a variety of other conditions. For example, lung symptoms associated
with mesothelioma include:
Cancer can begin at any time, but the disease is most common in older
adults (over the age of fifty-five). It is also possible for mesothelioma to
spread outside of the chest. The most common signs of mesothelioma are:
As with any type of cancer, there are many different symptoms of
mesothelioma. This type of cancer often causes no symptoms. In rare cases,
mesothelioma symptoms can include abnormal weight loss, or the inability to
gain weight normally. Treatment for mesothelioma is more successful if early
detection and treatment are sought, as early diagnosis can improve survival
rates.
Patients who experience these symptoms will not necessarily know that they
have cancer, as symptoms tend to be non-specific. Therefore, to determine if
you have mesothelioma, you may have to seek out a doctor's advice and
diagnosis. If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will prescribe a
treatment plan based on the type of cancer you have.
The main symptom of mesothelioma is a lump that is palpable and non-cancerous.
Other symptoms that can be present include:
Some of the most frequent complaints of mesothelioma patients include:
Because mesothelioma tends to begin in the lungs, it is important to make
sure that you are maintaining good lung health. Smoking is a known risk factor
for developing mesothelioma. Therefore, quitting smoking is very important to
reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer.
One of the potential causes of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. If you
have been exposed to asbestos, you may develop mesothelioma shortly after
exposure occurs.
Mesothelioma can also be caused by exposure to chemicals, or in rare cases,
radiation. If you have been exposed to chemicals, or to radiation, you may
experience some of the same symptoms as those associated with asbestos
exposure. However, the complications associated with this type of cancer are
more severe.
Although there are no known cure for mesothelioma, there are several
different treatments available. These treatments range from surgical treatments
to radiation therapy to the use of experimental drugs to prevent or control the
spread of mesothelioma.