Mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can be challenging to diagnose because its symptoms often mimic those of other conditions. These symptoms can vary based on the type and stage of the disease, but if you or someone you know experiences any of the following signs, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Shortness of Breath:
This symptom can occur when pleural effusion—fluid accumulation between the lung and its lining—affects the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It is often a clear sign that the lungs are compromised due to mesothelioma.
Chest Pain:
Sharp, dull, or persistent chest pain often results from pleural involvement in mesothelioma. The pain can be caused by tumors pressing against the chest wall, or the buildup of fluid in the pleura, making it hard to breathe and move comfortably.
Persistent Cough:
A chronic, ongoing cough that may produce blood is a common symptom of mesothelioma. This persistent cough can worsen over time and may signal irritation or infection in the lungs due to the presence of cancer cells.
Fatigue:
Unusual and overwhelming tiredness that does not improve with rest is another key symptom of mesothelioma. This fatigue stems from the body’s constant effort to fight the cancer, leaving individuals feeling exhausted and weak despite a normal amount of sleep.
Unexplained Weight Loss:
Rapid, unexplained weight loss often occurs in individuals with mesothelioma, especially when cancer has spread. This weight loss may be due to a combination of nausea, loss of appetite, and increased energy demands from the body fighting cancer.
Night Sweats:
Excessive sweating at night, sometimes accompanied by fever or chills, can be a sign of mesothelioma. This symptom is often linked to fever caused by inflammation from the tumor, making it difficult for individuals to get restful sleep.
Fever:
A persistent fever often accompanies mesothelioma. This elevated body temperature can be a result of the body's immune response to the cancer, signaling that the immune system is actively fighting against the tumor.
Coughing up Blood:
Also known as hemoptysis, the presence of blood in the sputum can occur when mesothelioma affects the lungs or airways. This can indicate severe damage to the lung tissue, caused by tumor growth or pleural inflammation.
Difficulty Swallowing:
In cases where mesothelioma has affected the peritoneum (abdominal lining) or the esophagus, dysphagia—difficulty swallowing—can occur. The tumor or fluid buildup in the chest or abdomen can obstruct the swallowing process.
Abdominal Pain:
Individuals with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience chronic discomfort or pain in the abdomen. This pain is often caused by the tumor growth or the fluid accumulation that can occur in the abdominal cavity, pressing on nearby organs.
Nausea and Vomiting:
Especially in peritoneal mesothelioma, nausea and vomiting are common due to the cancer's effect on the gastrointestinal system. The tumors or fluid buildup may interfere with normal digestion and bowel function, leading to these gastrointestinal issues.
Swelling in Abdomen:
Abdominal distension, or noticeable bloating of the stomach area, is a sign of fluid buildup in the abdomen, common with peritoneal mesothelioma. This swelling can cause discomfort and make it difficult to wear certain clothes or move freely.
Bowel Changes:
Changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation, can be a sign of mesothelioma affecting the abdominal cavity. These changes are often due to the tumor’s effect on the gastrointestinal tract or blockage caused by the cancer.
Anemia:
Anemia occurs when there are fewer red blood cells in the body, leading to fatigue and weakness. Mesothelioma can cause anemia as the body’s response to cancer and the depletion of iron and other nutrients required for red blood cell production.
Hoarseness:
Changes in the voice or persistent hoarseness, often caused by involvement of the vocal cords, can indicate mesothelioma affecting the chest or throat. This symptom may worsen over time as the tumor grows and presses against the vocal cords.
Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down:
Known as orthopnea, difficulty breathing when reclining or lying flat can occur with mesothelioma. This happens when the tumor or pleural effusion restricts the lungs, making it harder to breathe in a horizontal position.
Muscle Weakness:
Loss of muscle strength and function can be linked to mesothelioma, as the body’s overall energy is directed toward combating the disease. This weakness can also be a result of fatigue and reduced physical activity due to difficulty breathing or pain.
Clubbing of Fingers:
Enlarged fingertips with curved nails, often referred to as clubbing, may indicate underlying respiratory or cardiovascular issues, including mesothelioma. It is usually caused by reduced oxygen levels in the blood due to lung involvement.
Joint Pain:
Pain or discomfort in the joints, which can be related to paraneoplastic syndrome, a condition linked to cancers like mesothelioma, may also occur. This can cause discomfort or stiffness in the joints, making movement difficult.
Pericardial Effusion:
Pericardial effusion refers to the buildup of fluid around the heart, causing chest pain, discomfort, and difficulty breathing. This condition is often associated with mesothelioma and requires prompt medical intervention.
Chest Wall Mass:
A palpable mass or lump on the chest wall can indicate the presence of a tumor growing in the pleura or other parts of the chest. This mass may be felt under the skin and should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Final Thoughts on Mesothelioma Symptoms
These symptoms are common in individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and may vary depending on the cancer type and stage. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to seek medical advice and early diagnosis to improve treatment outcomes. Early intervention is key in managing mesothelioma and increasing the chances of successful treatment.
