What Most People Ignore About These 4 Early Warning Signs Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer from the mesothelium, the protective lining around the internal organs. Unfortunately there are many forms, though it most commonly attacks the lungs and abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is often a result of asbestos inhalation, from living near or working with asbestos in the past and before it was generally recognized as dangerous.

Malignant mesothelioma has a high latency period, meaning it is normally hidden and only noticeable late on, when it has already spread. Benign tumors can also be cancerous, but they don’t spread and are easier to treat.

Early symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to other lung diseases. Early symptoms are minor and can be mistaken for less serious illnesses. These include a dry cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, muscle weakness and fever. It’s very important to let your doctor know if you have worked with asbestos in the past, so they can keep a close watch on any symptoms and the cancer, if present, can be caught as early as possible.

Symptoms of specific types of malignant mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can show all of the above, but more common symptoms are pleural effusions (water on the lungs), chest pain and shortness of breath. Peritoneal mesothelioma most commonly shows ascites (swelling in the abdomen from liquid) and weight loss or a loss of appetite. If you experience any of these you should visit a doctor anyway, but make sure the physician is aware it could be asbestos-related.

Getting help

If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should make regular appointments with your doctor whether you are showing symptoms or not. Symptoms sometimes take a while to become apparent, and early detection is absolutely crucial in treating the disease. Remember that secondary exposure does exist – so if you lived near an asbestos production area, or had family members working with it, you should also have regular check ups.