Blog
February 24, 2014
Early symptoms of mesothelioma do not develop until 10 to 50 years after the initial exposure to asbestos. The earliest mesothelioma symptoms can be so mild that they may be overlooked. In addition, the symptoms tend to mimic the signs of more common illnesses such as the flu, pneumonia, heart disease or bronchitis. For these reasons, most patients are not diagnosed until their mesothelioma is in a more advanced stage leaving them with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis.
Common Symptoms Associated with Mesothelioma
Patients can experience a number of different symptoms dependent upon which type of mesothelioma cancer they develop and the location and size of the tumor. Here are some of the more common symptoms that mesothelioma patients may develop:
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing even while at rest.
- Lower back pain: Ache or discomfort in the lower back. Sometimes the first symptom of pleural mesothelioma.
- Pleural effusion: Buildup of excess fluid in the pleural space, the area between the lungs and the chest cavity. Common in pleural mesothelioma.
- Cough: Hacking persistent cough or hemoptysis, the coughing up of blood.
- Fever: Fevers, chills and sweating.
- Fatigue: Extreme fatigue.
- Weight loss: Unintended or unexplained rapid weight loss due to loss of appetite.
- Anemia: Low level of red blood cells or hemoglobin.
- Nausea and/or vomiting: Upset or queasy stomach leading to vomiting.
- Chest pain: Heaviness in the chest area or a dull aching pain under the ribs.
- Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) due to increased pressure on the esophagus.
- Heart palpitations: Heart palpitations or irregular beating of the heart. Common in pericardial mesothelioma.
- Pericardial effusion: Abnormal amount of fluid present in the area between the heart and the pericardium (pericardial space). Common in pericardial mesothelioma..
- Bowel obstruction: Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity that can apply pressure on the intestines causing a partial or complete blockage. Common in peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Ascites: Abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity causing the belly to become swollen and distended. Common for peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdomen or pelvic region due to increased tumor size or abdominal swelling from fluid accumulation.
It is important for anyone that suspects or has a known history of asbestos exposure to consult with a qualified medical specialist for proper monitoring and testing. When the warning signs are identified and confirmed as symptoms of mesothelioma early on in the disease, the chances increase for an optimistic prognosis.
Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler are Committed to Advocating for Mesothelioma Victims
If you or someone in your family has been exposed to asbestos or diagnosed with any type of mesothelioma, contact Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler in Philadelphia as soon as possible. You may be eligible to receive monetary compensation. Call our mesothelioma lawyers today at 1-800-369-0899 to schedule a free consultation or contact us online.
