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. 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
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 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.
Source : http://www.resource4mesothelioma.com/
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