Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Introduction

Mesothelioma is a deadly and rare form of cancer that has advanced from exposure to asbestos. The inhaling of the extremely toxic asbestos is the major cause of mesothelioma. The ingested particles of asbestos create the cancerous or malignant cells in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is the cell buildings that covers and surrounds various internal organs. Mesothelioma develops abnormal proliferation of the malignant cells in organs such as the heart, lungs, and abdomen.

Mesothelioma is classified into three forms: Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pleura are the membrane buildings which covers the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity. Most of the organs in the abdominal cavity are covered by the peritoneum. Pericardial mesothelioma starts from the cavity which surrounds the heart.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma starts in tiny lumps in the membrane of pleura. This may not be shown on the scans or x-rays until they are advanced and largely grown. It is advanced generally in habitancy who inhale asbestos particles, which are determined to be the major cause for this disease. The symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposing oneself to the asbestos particles.

In the case of pleural mesothelioma, the shortness of breath and the chest pain due to the accumulated fluid in the pleura are determined to be the major symptoms. Continuous cough and hoarse voice are also noted as other major symptoms in the pleural mesothelioma. Abdominal pain, loss of weight and swelling in the abdominal region due to a buildup of fluid are the symptoms in peritoneal mesothelioma.

Symptoms like bowel obstruction, abnormality in the blood clotting, fever and anemia are few of the peritoneal symptoms. Pain, issue swallowing or swelling of the neck or face is the base symptom that is found when the cancer spreads beyond the mesothelium to other organs in the body. The symptoms of the pericardial mesothelioma are persistent coughing, palpitations, and shortness of breath and chest pain. It is very leading to see a doctor for the added immediate analysis when these symptoms occur.

Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Introduction