The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma can range from respiratory problems to physical pain. Some physicians may mistake these symptoms as signs of other, less serious conditions. Unfortunately, any delay in detection may have large impacts on a patient’s overall ability to positively respond to treatment. In many cases, symptoms arise between 20 and 50 years after a person’s initial exposure to asbestos and this latency period often results in a diagnosis when the patient is already in an advanced stage of development.
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of mesothelioma. Among other issues, fluid buildup in the chest cavity can cause serious pain and discomfort for patients. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:
The cancer experts at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center note that pleural mesothelioma may occasionally cause prolonged hoarseness, difficulty swallowing and coughing up blood. Some patients experience fatigue, muscle weakness and sensory loss. These symptoms may be signs of several other illnesses, including those related to asbestos exposure. As a result, pleural mesothelioma is frequently difficult to diagnose.
Some of the more common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are directly related to respiratory functioning. Pleural thickening is one side effect of heavy asbestos exposure that reduces a patient’s ability to breathe easily. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they often become lodged in the lining of the lungs and remain there for several decades. Overtime, these fibers cause enough irritation and inflammation for cellular changes to occur and tumors to develop, placing pressure on the lungs and limiting their ability to expand.
For more information about pleural mesothelioma symptoms and treatments to relieve these symptoms, please fill out the form on this page to receive a complimentary packet in the mail. You can also speak with one of our Patient Advocates by dialing 1-800-ASBESTOS.
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