SYMPTOMS

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma victims inhale or swallow asbestos fibers which then became lodged in the body.  Once inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers travel to the lung where they become lodged in the pleura (the thin, saran-wrap type membrane lining the lungs.)  The effects of the asbestos exposure may remain latent, or inactive, for up to 50 years.

The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are most frequently reported by those with mesothelioma, but are also associated with other medical conditions.

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent cough
• Pain under the rib cage
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Weight loss for no known reason

TYPES of MESOTHELIOMA and ASSOCIATED SYMPTOMS

There are several types of mesothelioma

• Pleural Mesothelioma – cancer spreads within the chest cavity and the metastases can occur in any organ, including the lungs and brain.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma – cancer penetrates the abdominal cavity and affects the liver, spleen or the bowel.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma – affects the pericardium, the double-walled sac that contains the heart.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural Effusions 
  One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea," and pain may occur.
• Shortness of Breath 
  Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the pleural area of the lungs, or the presence of one or more tumors in the pleural lining. Both conditions can restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
• Chest / Back Pain 
  A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.
• Swelling of the Face and Arms
  The swelling of the face or neck areas can indicate a spreading of the cancer beyond the mesothelium.
• Additional Varied Symptoms
  Difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, fever, muscle weakness and sensory loss, and nausea.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Pain or Swelling of the Abdomen 
  Abdominal pain and swelling are caused due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
• Bowel Obstruction 
  A tumor in the peritoneum membranes can exert increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.
• Weight Loss / Anemia 
  Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and the pressure exerted by the presence of a tumor(s) can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and other 'wasting symptoms'.
• Additional Varied Symptoms
  Frequency in urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

• Varied Symptoms
  Chest pain, cough, irregular heart beat, and irregular breathing patterns

SUPPORT

If you, or a loved one, are experiencing any of the above symptoms of mesothelioma you should consult a trusted physician and an experienced asbestos lawyer.  Mesothelioma patients need both a strong medical team and a strong legal team to support them through this difficult time. 

Your medical team will provide you with the expertise and treatments that will be vital to your survival.  Your legal team will work with you to get the compensation for which you may be entitled.  Know your legal rights to help protect you and your family.

MORE ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA
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