Mesothelioma Symptoms

The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma, causes shortness of breath or a chronic cough that are easily confused with allergies or a cold.  In most cases, mesothelioma is discovered by accident, as patients report other symptoms that lead to its discovery. 

Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Constant chest pain
• Chronic cough that worsens over time
• Coughing up blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Lung infection (pneumonia, bronchitis)
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Wheezing

Mesothelioma is an extremely malignant and incurable cancer that infects the membrane that surrounds most of the internal organs.

Mesothelioma is also a very subtle form of cancer, with few noticeable symptoms until the disease is extremely advanced. Unfortunately, this is what makes mesothelioma so deadly; by the time the symptoms are noticeable they are virtually impossible to treat.  The cancerous tumors are so entrenched in the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or heart, that no amount of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery will completely eliminate them.

Pleural mesothelioma represents 75% of mesothelioma cases - but it is far from the only type of this deadly cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining around the stomach and intestines, and is just as dangerous and deadly.

Common Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Weight loss - but waist may increase in size.
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen - fluid retention or tumor growth.
• Bowel obstruction - blockage in the small or large intestine.
• Anemia - a reduction in the number of red blood cells to below normal; this forces the heart and other organs to work harder to get oxygen where it's needed.
• Fever

It is important for higher risk groups such as asbestos and construction workers to have frequent check-ups to monitor any conditions leading to mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is so deadly, early diagnosis and treatment can help prolong life, but the mortality rate for mesothelioma is usually 100% within five years.

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of mesothelioma or afflicted with the deadly cancer mesothelioma, you need to consult a dedicated and experienced attorney immediately.  You may be entitled to financial compensation for your pain and suffering, but if you hesitate the statute of limitations in your state could end your chance before it has a chance to begin.  Let us up help you.  Contact us today.