Hello kbaxter,
What an interesting question. I was unaware that there were still so
many cases of mesothelioma today. I have worked in hospitals for over
25 years, and have seen only one case!
There are actually more than 10 symptoms of mesothelioma. I have
listed them by type, although the symptoms of one form are not
necessarily exclusive of the other types.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer, caused by asbestos exposure, that
can affect the lungs (Pleural form), abdomen (Peritoneal form), and
even the membrane around the heart. (Pericardium form) Less than 1% of
cases involve the pericardium. Symptoms may not appear for 20-50 years
after exposure. Death generally occurs within 18 months from the onset
of symptoms.
10 Symptoms of Mesothelioma
+++++++++++++++++++++++
Pleural Mesothelioma: Affecting the lungs. Patients may present with
viral pneumonia symptoms. The right lung is affected most often, in
approximately 60% of all cases. Mesothelioma of both lungs is only
seen in 5% of all cases. About 3000 new cases of mesothelioma are
diagnosed a year, primarily in men over the age of 40.
1 Dyspnea (Shortness of breath), Pleural effusion
Dyspnea is ?Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of
breath.?Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the
lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the amount of fluid
increases, shortness of breath and pain occur. This is the cause of
the "dyspnea?.
http://cancer.gov/dictionary/db_alpha.aspx?expand=D
2 Chest pain and persistent cough, with increased sputum production.
?Coughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear.
However, excessive coughing may mean you have an underlying disease or
disorder.Some coughs are dry, while others are productive. A
productive cough is one that brings up phlegm (also called sputum or
mucus).?
http://health.allrefer.com/health/cough-info.html
As tumors grow, displacement of healthy tissue causes pressure and
chest pain: the pleura become thick, the bronchi produce sputum and
blood is seen in the sputum. The mesothelioma tumors have a rich
drainage system, and they drain into the pulmonary arteries and veins.
Cavitation (creation of small bubbles or pockets) of the pleural
surfaces filled with malignant mesothelioma cells. As the disease
progresses, it covers the entire pleural space and invades the chest
wall.
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1457.htm
3 Night sweats
Any disease or condition can cause night sweats or fever. ?Infections,
malignancy and other diseases can also cause night sweats. When night
sweats are due to an infection, the sweating usually occurs as the
body temperature drops suddenly after running a fever.?
http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/sweats/a/sweatbasics.htm
http://www.ivillagehealth.com/experts/infectious/qas/0,,242108_173749,00.html
4 Lethargy
Feeling indifferent, lack of energy, drowsiness.
http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/sym/lethargy.htm
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=4138
5 Weight loss due to anorexia
Anorexia is an aversion to food. Anorexia also means lack of appetite,
diminished appetite. Patients with life-threatening illnesses often
lose their appetite
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=2268
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?ArticleKey=25306
6 Hoarseness
Caused when the mesothelioma invades the lymphatics of the neck, May
cause a husky voice. If the cancer metastasizes (spreads) from the
mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain,
trouble swallowing, or swelling of the face and neck.
7 Coughing up blood
As tumors grow into the chest wall, pleura and the lymphatic system,
erosion of the blood vessels occurs, allowing blood to enter the
bronchial tubes and into the sputum.
http://www.uhseast.com/13362.cfm
8 Sharp pain in lower back or side
?Pain associated with mesothelioma changes from mild, episodic, and
localized, to severe and chronic as the disease progresses. The first
symptoms of pain depend on the type of mesothelioma. For pleural
mesothelioma, the initial symptoms are a nagging discomfort or mild
pain in the chest area or in the back. For peritoneal mesothelioma,
the first symptoms are abdominal or pelvic discomfort, and, in some
cases, bowel obstruction and its resultant pain.? Mesothelioma Medical
http://www.mesotheliomamedical.com/pain_treat.htm
9 Fever
?People with cancer are more likely to get fevers, which are usually
associated with infections. Common sites of infection are the lungs,
bladder, skin, mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and ears? Continuum
Cancer Car Center
http://cancer.wehealny.org/symptoms/1_1_9.html
Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Affecting the abdomen)
10 Anemia
Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells, or having red
blood cells that are to small to work effectively. Losing blood from
tumors into the bowel, or into the sputm, over time will cause the
person to become anemic. Loss of appetite can cause anemia to develop
as well.
http://cancer.gov/dictionary/db_alpha.aspx?expand=A
11 Swelling and pain of abdomen
Abdominal swelling is caused by ascites. Ascites is ?Abnormal
build-up of fluid in the abdomen that may cause swelling. In
late-stage cancer, tumor cells may be found in the fluid in the
abdomen. Ascites also occurs in patients with liver disease?
http://cancer.gov/dictionary/db_alpha.aspx?expand=A
12 Bowel obstruction
?Intestinal obstruction involves a partial or complete blockage of the
bowel that results in the failure of the intestinal contents to pass
through?
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000260.htm#Definition
13 Foot and ankle swelling
Can be caused by blood clots and or venous insufficiency, the lungs
are unable to function properly.
http://health.allrefer.com/health/peripheral-edema-causes.html
14 Blood Clotting abnormalities
Clotting is caused by blocking of the tiny blood vessels in the
pleura, and may cause fatal emboli (Blood clots)
National Library of Medicine
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000132.htm
Mesothelioma Information Center
http://www.mesotheliomainfocntr.com/symptoms.html
Asbestos Injury Law
http://www.asbestosinjurylaw.net/asbestos_symptoms.htm
Asbestos Injury Law
http://www.asbestosinjurylaw.net/mesothelioma_attorney.htm
Emedicine
http://www.emedicine.com/radio/topic449.htm
Mesothelioma Directory
http://www.mesothelioma-directory.com/mesothelioma-symptoms.asp
National Cancer Institute
http://cis.nci.nih.gov/fact/6_36.htm
Illustration of the lungs, pleura, bronchi, alveoli,
http://www.nevdgp.org.au/geninf/aca_htm/patients/lung/about.htm
Terminology
http://cancer.gov/dictionary/db_alpha.aspx?expand=s#symptom
Tissue staining test for mesothelioma
http://www.labcorp.com/datasets/labcorp/html/chapter/mono/tg001300.htm
I hope this answer contains the information you were seeking. If any
part is unclear, please request an Answer Clarification, before
rating. By doing so, I will be able to assist you further, if
possible.
Regards,
crabcakes-ga
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