Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the stage of cancer. In the beginning, patients may not experience any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms become more apparent.
Doctors will order a biopsy if imaging tests reveal an abnormality which could be mesothelioma. The procedure involves inserting a needle to remove tissue or fluid for testing.
Chest pain
Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the mesothelioma type and the body area affected. Pleural mesothelioma, as an example is a disease that affects the pleura (the layers that cover the lungs or the chest wall). Mesothelioma also can develop in the stomach tissue, or in the testes (peritoneal mesothelioma). Mesothelioma usually starts in cells in the mesothelium. It is a two-layered membrane that wraps around organs like the heart, lungs and stomach.
Mesothelioma typically produces symptoms as it expands and presses on the organs surrounding it. Patients may also experience chest pressure or shortness of breathe as well as pain. A person can also suffer from fatigue and unproved weight loss. Patients with mesothelioma might also have fevers. The occurrence of fever is a possible result of treatment for mesothelioma. It may indicate that the body is fighting cancer.
In the early stages of mesothelioma, most patients don't show any symptoms or if they do, they are not specific enough to be mesothelioma. As mesothelioma progresses into later stages, however, symptoms increase.
Breathing Shortness
Breathlessness can be frightening. It's important to see your doctor if you have this sign. They will ask you questions and will examine you. They'll also want be aware of whether your symptoms have lasted longer or are getting worse. They may recommend the use of a scan or blood test to determine the source of your breathlessness.
If it affects the lungs, or organs nearby, mesothelioma may make it difficult to breath. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on the stage, but they often include chest discomfort and breathing difficulties. Other symptoms include abdominal pain or chest discomfort as well as a dry cough and a dry sneeze. The accumulation of fluid can also be caused by mesothelioma in the chest and abdomen.
Your doctor will make use of a needle to drain the fluid from the area. The sample is sent for testing. This will allow them to determine if the liquid contains mesothelioma. If so, they'll then perform other tests to identify mesothelioma.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma doctors can treat your symptoms and reduce the risk of developing complications. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. If mesothelioma has reached an advanced stage, doctors will attempt to stop the growth of tumors. For pleural pleural tumors, doctors will drain the fluid and then use VATS (video-assisted surgery) to create lung tissue and the pleura more resistant to leakage.
A loss of appetite
You may lose appetite in the event of pleural asbestosis as a result of the fluid accumulation in your chest. This fluid can hinder the ability of your lungs to expand, which can cause an unending feeling of fatigue. Doctors will usually eliminate the excess liquid in order to relieve breathlessness.
Loss of appetite is an indication that mesothelioma is spread to another part of your body. Also known as metastasis, the symptoms in these other areas are typically similar to other diseases or ailments, like asthma, pneumonia, or COPD.
A biopsy or imaging scan is a method used by doctors to identify mesothelioma. In the latter, a sample of tissue is taken from the suspected tumor, and scrutinized under a microscope to detect cancerous cells. Because mesothelioma is so rare, doctors may mistakenly diagnose the disease as a different disease or illness.
A biopsy can confirm mesothelioma's diagnosis if it's detected in its earliest stages. These are the most curable mesothelioma stages. As mesothelioma progresses to advanced stages like Stages 3, 4, and 5, the symptoms become more severe and the cancer becomes more difficult to manage. Mesothelioma stage can help determine the treatment options available to patients and their life expectancy.
Weight loss
Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma might suffer from a variety of symptoms that can impact their weight and health. It is important that patients be aware that the disease will not spread and that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on its type and stage. For example, pleural mesothelioma patients may experience fluid buildup in the lungs as well as dry cough and chest pain. Peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers have symptoms like abdominal swelling and a feeling of gastric bloating.
As time goes on mesothelioma can develop into other organs and trigger new symptoms. It is essential that patients suffering from mesothelioma document and report any symptoms that are becoming worse or new to their doctor as soon as possible to avoid a misdiagnosis.
To diagnose mesothelioma doctors make use of imaging scans such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI and PET scans. They can also conduct biopsy to identify the cells that form the tumor. Researchers are working on the development of tests in the blood that will detect mesothelioma prior to symptoms appear. This could lead early treatment for mesothelioma as well as a better chance of survival for patients. Mesothelioma patients should visit a doctor as soon as possible and bring with them their asbestos exposure history to ensure they receive the proper diagnosis. Download our Free Mesothelioma symptoms guide to find out how to spot signs of mesothelioma.
Fever
The symptoms of mesothelioma can be misinterpreted as common illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. A fever is a typical mesothelioma-related symptom, and could be an indication of cancer growing throughout the body. Fever can also be a side result of mesothelioma treatment like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In the late stages of mesothelioma, which means a person is near death, symptoms can be intense and develop quickly. A lump in the abdomen or chest may occur and cause extreme pain in the chest or stomach and breathing difficulties, loss of appetite and weight loss. Patients with mesothelioma may have difficulty sleeping due the pain they experience.
When a mesothelioma patient experiences these symptoms, they should consult their doctor right away. The doctor can conduct an examination and write down the person's medical and asbestos exposure background. symptoms mesothelioma cancer can also perform tests such as chest CT scan and X-ray to check for lung problems, like fluid accumulation in the lung.
Other tests to determine mesothelioma can include blood tests, MRI or PET scan and a pericardiectomy, where the doctor removes the lining of the heart. A biopsy is also an effective way to diagnose mesothelioma. A mesothelioma expert can conduct simple biopsies in a hospital or outpatient setting to get an accurate and quick diagnosis. A mesothelioma specialist can also help manage symptoms, for instance by administering medication or providing support groups.
Swelling
Mesothelioma patients often have an accumulation of fluid around their lungs, which can make it difficult to breathe. Doctors can test this fluid for mesothelioma and diagnose the cancer.
Other symptoms, like swelling, can be seen if mesothelioma spreads. The symptoms can vary from person to individual because mesothelioma may affect different tissues and organs. Experts in mesothelioma can assist patients understand what to expect according to their symptoms. They may also recommend treatments that can improve the patient's comfort in addition to standard treatment.
The signs of pleural asbestosis can include lumps or pain under the skin, shortness in breath and persistent coughing. These symptoms may be caused by the tumor pressing against organs and tissues in the chest and lungs, including the heart. Mesothelioma affecting the peritoneum can cause abdominal pain or unexplained loss of weight. Mesothelioma that affects the testicles can cause discomfort in the back or chest and a painful feeling similar to lumps in the stomach or throat.
To control mesothelioma-related symptoms, doctors can drain excess fluid from the pleural cavity by an incision inside the chest (pleurodesis). They can also treat the cancer using chemotherapy or radiation. Doctors may also perform surgery to stop the cancer from spreading, for example removing part of the affected lung or the tissue that lines the chest wall and lung (pleurectomy) or creating a pleura scar and stick to the lungs (pleurodesis). Patients should discuss options for treatment with mesothelioma specialists.