The-Early-Warning-Signs-of-Mesothelioma

The Early Warning Signs of Mesothelioma

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Once considered a miracle material for insulation, asbestos is an enemy to public health with a long track record of causing a type of cancer called mesothelioma. Despite the known danger, it hasn’t been entirely outlawed. The EPA has made some moves to ban new materials made with asbestos, but there’s no ban across the board.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause for mesothelioma, but many people don’t know they’ve been exposed to this harmful element until it’s too late. Unlike other health conditions that tend to have visible symptoms, mesothelioma can go undetected for decades.

Mesothelioma is considered rare, but still takes many lives

Although it’s considered a rare cancer, mesothelioma is more common than you may think. While statistics say 40,000 people are diagnosed in the United States every year, that’s 400,000 people over 10-years, and 2,000,000 over the course of 50 years. This is important to note because mesothelioma is a disease that takes decades to develop; symptoms don’t typically surface until the cancer has progressed pretty far. Thousands of people in the U.S. have been diagnosed at a steady pace since 1935 – 56 years after commercial asbestos insulation use first began, and it’s going to continue for decades, even if exposure stopped today.

Mesothelioma symptoms are often misdiagnosed as respiratory issues

Since the symptoms of mesothelioma often mimic common ailments like pneumonia, colds, and other conditions, it can be hard to catch in the early stages. Here are some of the early warning signs to look for:

  • Chest or lower back pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • A dry, persistent cough
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • High fevers
  • Swelling in the face, abdomen, or arms
  • A hoarse voice
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Constipation

As you can see, these are common symptoms that can be caused by a variety of conditions. That’s why it’s crucial to see a mesothelioma specialist to get a concrete answer. General physicians won’t be able to pick up on the nuances of these symptoms that point to mesothelioma compared to, say, pneumonia. They just don’t have the specialized experience.

Let’s dive into the early warning signs and symptoms in more detail

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

  1. Shortness of breath and chest pain

In the early stages, pleural mesothelioma usually presents with trouble breathing and discomfort or pain in the chest. This is caused by fluid that accumulates in the pleural effusion, which is the space between the chest wall and the lining of the lungs. As a result, it causes a persistent, unproductive dry cough. Unfortunately, this set of symptoms is routinely misdiagnosed as a less severe respiratory problem, which only delays proper diagnosis.

  1. Abdominal swelling and pain

With peritoneal mesothelioma, the abdominal lining is affected, causing swelling and pain. Again, this is caused by fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. Since this impacts the abdominal area, it can often cause gastrointestinal issues, like diarrhea or constipation.

  1. Unexplained weight loss

Individuals with mesothelioma often drop weight for no apparent reason. They aren’t on a diet, exercising more than usual, or trying to lose weight. This is usually accompanied by extreme fatigue. It’s believed that fatigue is caused by the body’s resources being used to fight the cancer.

  1. Visible lumps (tumors)

Some people in advanced stages of mesothelioma develop visible lumps in areas affected by the cancer. For pleural mesothelioma, these lumps are located in the chest area, while peritoneal mesothelioma produces lumps in the abdominal area. These tumors are sometimes painful, but not always. Unlike the other signs, this can’t be mistaken for a respiratory condition and warrants an immediate medical evaluation.

  1. A persistent, dry, unproductive cough

People who have pleural mesothelioma usually experience a dry cough that won’t go away. Others experience their voice becoming hoarse. Tumors in the chest put pressure on the lungs and entire chest cavity, which can impact the vocal cords. That’s why this type of mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as bronchitis or asthma.

Early detection is critical

Recognizing the early warning signs of mesothelioma is crucial for avoiding a misdiagnosis, getting a proper diagnosis, and starting treatment as quickly as possible. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. 

If you have a known or suspected history of asbestos exposure, stay vigilant if these symptoms show up and seek medical care right away.

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