Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Introduction

By Kristy Annely

Mesothelioma is a deadly and rare form of cancer that has developed from exposure to asbestos. The inhaling of the highly toxic asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma. The ingested particles of asbestos develop the cancerous or malignant cells in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is the cell structure that covers and surrounds various internal organs. Mesothelioma develops abnormal proliferation of the malignant cells in organs such as the heart, lungs, and abdomen.

Mesothelioma is classified into three forms: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pleura are the membrane structure which covers the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. Most of the organs in the abdominal cavity are covered by the peritoneum. Pericardial mesothelioma starts from the cavity which surrounds the heart. 

Mesothelioma starts in tiny lumps in the membrane of pleura. This may not be shown on the scans or x-rays until they are developed and largely grown. It is developed mainly in people who inhale asbestos particles, which are considered to be the major cause for this disease. The symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposing oneself to the asbestos particles.

In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the shortness of breath and the chest pain due to the accumulated fluid in the pleura are considered to be the major symptoms. Continuous cough and hoarse voice are also noted as other major symptoms in the pleural mesothelioma. Abdominal pain, loss of weight and swelling in the abdominal region due to a buildup of fluid are the symptoms in peritoneal mesothelioma.

Symptoms like bowel obstruction, abnormality in the blood clotting, fever and anemia are few of the peritoneal symptoms. Pain, trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck or face is the common symptom that is found when the cancer spreads beyond the mesothelium to other organs in the body. The symptoms of the pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, palpitations, and shortness of breath and chest pain. It is very important to see a doctor for the further immediate diagnosis when these symptoms occur. [http://www.WetPluto.com/History-of-Mesothelioma-Litigation.html]Mesothelioma Litigation provides detailed information on History of Mesothelioma Litigation, Mesothelioma Diagnosis: A Guide, Mesothelioma Laws, Mesothelioma Lawyers: A Guide and more. Mesothelioma Litigation is affiliated with [http://www.e-californiacontractorlicenses.com]California Contractor License Bond.

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What Are Mesothelioma Symptoms?

By Yachi Verma

Mesothelioma affects the body in stages, and these stages are relatively hidden from the patient. It is only during the advanced stages, that the body starts exhibiting symptoms. Some of the commonly occurring symptoms for mesothelioma are discussed throughout this article. People develop pains in their chest and stomach at all times. The symptom of asbestos cancer is also the same. The only difference is that, people will safely ignore the symptoms and proceed with their daily life. In other words, have this tendency to ignore the common symptoms of asbestos cancer, and might think that they are experiencing work related problems.

One of the prominent symptoms of this condition is the persistent coughing. In medical terms, it is known as dry coughing. When normal person coughs, phlegm usually comes forth. However, in this form of dry coughing, there is a marked absence of phlegm. Due to this persistent coughing, injury of the esophagus might result and this might lead to cough up of blood. Once the region is roughened up, then the patient might find it very difficult to swallow foods and other forms of liquids. All these symptoms are interconnected and are commonly seen for pleural mesothelioma.

The pain in the throat will prevent ingestion of food and this will lead to reduction in the body mass. Sometimes one might find, he/she is sweating during late nights and this is also a prominent symptom for the condition. As the quantity of food ingestion decreases, there will be an overall fatigue and drowsiness coupled with sluggishness. Since the condition is known to affect the pleura, there might be pain in the chest, specifically in one side of the chest. This pain will lead to breathing problems and breathlessness is a commonly associated manifestation.

The peritoneal mesothelioma is another form of asbestos cancer occurring, but on the abdomen and the abdominal cavity. The symptoms are the same, but there will be a marked inflammation of the abdomen. Digestion problems might ensue and anemia will be a side effect of asbestos cancer affecting the abdominal cavity. Lumps might materialize on the surface of the skin enclosing the abdomen. For pleural mesothelioma, the lumps might concentrate on one part of the chest. Constipation will also be the result of peritoneal mesothelioma, and it might even lead to frequent vomiting by the patient.

Mesothelioma can also occur on the pericardium surrounding the heart. In this case, the mesothelioma symptoms include the following - irregular heartbeats and skipping of the heartbeats. The patient might also experience pains on the left side of the chest (directly above the heart). This pain in the chest will lead to breathing problems, as we had seen earlier for the pleural mesothelioma. The condition might also develop on the testicles, although this is one of the rarest forms of asbestos cancer. The symptoms might start appearing after a gap of 10 to 20 years. Hence, it is better to opt for a thorough checkup so that one will be sure that they are not suffering from asbestos cancer.

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By Yachi Verma