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Those with mesothelioma may experience any or all of the following basic symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Insomnia
- Chest and abdominal pain
- Noticeable weight loss
- Coughing
- Fluid in the chest
Mesothelioma cancer affects the chest and abdominal cavities, and there are two different forms, each concentrated in a specific region. Symptoms vary depending on which region is more heavily affected. Peritoneal mesothelioma is centered in the abdominal region, affecting the liver and intestines. Pleural mesthelioma often affects the upper air passages, affecting one's ability to breathe, swallow, and speak.
Peritoneal mesothelioma often causes the following specific symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Weight loss
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Bloating
- Masses in the abdominal region
- Constipation
- Fever
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the sufferer's blood clotting because the liver is an integral part of this process. The abdomen will often become noticeably distended because of the build up of fluids and concentration of tumors in this area. Weight loss is often more severe in cases of peritoneal mesothelioma when there are blockages in the intestines because nutrients cannot be as readily digested.
Pleural mesothelioma often causes these specific symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Pain in the lower back and the side of the chest cavity
- Coughing
- Raspy voice and difficulty speaking
- Fever
Pleural mesothelioma affects the larynx, or the voice box. This is why this form of mesothelioma often causes a raspy or husky voice and difficulty speaking. In the later stages of mesothelioma, the tumors can spread to other parts of the body, causing pain or swelling in the neck and face.
People often seek treatment for a persistent cough or trouble breathing. The basic symptoms of mesothelioma mimic the symptoms of a variety of other diseases. If you know or suspect that you have been exposed to asbestos, it's important to have your doctor perform specific tests to determine if your symptoms are linked to mesothelioma.
X-rays, CT scans and MRIs will be able to detect any growths or abnormal cell developments in the lungs or abdomen. Blood tests will be able to determine if there are any issues with protein levels in the blood, another indicator of mesothelioma. Ultimately, because the issues detected by blood work and scans can also be connected with non-cancerous asbestos-related diseases, a true diagnosis will require biopsy procedures.
Early detection is the key to effective and successful treatment. While advances have been made in the detection and treatment of mesothelioma, anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should be checked as soon as possible for this disease.
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