Mesothelioma Signs & Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a serious type of cancer that attacks the membrane surrounding various organs. symptoms of mesothelioma may take anywhere between 20 to 40 years or more to manifest themselves. And because early mesothelioma symptoms tend to be general, they often go ignored or else confused for symptoms of less serious ailments. Generally, however, individuals begin to manifest mesothelioma symptoms two to three months prior to being diagnosed .

There are three types of mesothelioma – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial – and symptoms tend to vary according to type.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:

* Shortness of breath
* Difficulty swallowing
* Coughing
* Sweating
* Fever
* Weight loss
* Fatigue
* Swelling in the upper body, especially the face and arms
* Lower back pain
* Pain in the side of the chest
* Muscle weakness

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms of this type of mesothelioma include:

* Stomach pain
* Weight loss
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Swollen belly
* Bowel obstruction
* Anemia
* Fever
* Blood clotting abnormalities

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

The pericardium is the lining that surrounds the heart. Mesothelioma affecting this area of the body is known as pericardial mesothelioma and symptoms include:

* Heart palpitations
* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath
* Persistent coughing