Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma Videos > Mesothelioma Topics

Correctly identifying mesothelioma symptoms can be difficult, even for an experienced health professional. Not only can mesothelioma symptoms mimic other diseases, but mesothelioma also has a very long latency period, so symptoms may not show up for as long as 40 years after the last exposure to asbestos.

Early signs of pleural mesothelioma, which attacks the lining of the lungs, include:

•    shortness of breath
•    wheezing
•    hoarseness
•    coughing
•    unexplained weight loss
•    chest pain
•    a condition called pleural effusion (fluid surrounding the lungs).

Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, which starts in the abdomen, include:

•    weight loss
•    abdominal swelling
•    a mass in the abdominal
•    anemia
•    weight loss
•    fever
•    bowel obstructions
•    blood clotting abnormalities
•    ascites (fluid collecting in the abdomen).

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are also often similar to other lung disease symptoms.  For example, asbestosis and lung cancer are two other diseases that share common symptoms with mesothelioma.  A specialist is needed to determine which condition is the one with which you are presenting.  The prognosis and treatment will vary depending on which of these lung problems you have.

When mesothelioma is suspected, doctors will investigate your history for asbestos exposure and give you a complete physical exam .  Then there are a host of tests to isolate mesothelioma: MRI scans, blood tests, fluid/tissue sample tests, and pulmonary function tests.  Finally, a mesothelioma diagnosis can be confirmed or ruled out.

Learn more about symptoms of mesothelioma through our mesothelioma video center. If you believe you may have mesothelioma, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. If you've already been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the mesothelioma attorneys at the Simmons Law Firm for help with your next steps.