Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a very serious malignant tumor that affects the torso of the human body. There is a very strong link between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos particles (by breathing or swallowing). There are three common forms of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the chest cavity (after breathing the particles) before spreading to other areas.
   
2. Peritoneal Mesothelioma starts in the abdomen (after swallowing the particles) and accounts for about 10-20% of Mesothelioma patients.
   
3. Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest form of Mesothelioma. It starts in the cavity that surrounds the heart.
   

Mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose early because the symptoms are often mistaken for those of other, less serious ailments. To make matters worse, it often takes many years for the symptoms to show up after the asbestos exposure takes place.

Here is a list of the most common Mesothelioma symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing (shortness of breath)
  
• A cough that won't go away
  
• A change in your normal coughing pattern
  
• Frequent hoarseness or raspy voice
  
• Significant weight loss that cannot be explained
  
• Difficulty swallowing
  
• Pain in the chest or abdomen
  
• Coughing up blood

If you experience one or more of these symptoms of Mesothelioma for more than a short period of time, you should consult your physician right away. Mesothelioma, by its very nature, is very difficult to diagnose early (many people simply ignore the symptoms at first).

This is why you need to pay attention to your body and monitor your health for the symptoms, especially if you're in one of these high-risk occupations:

• Brake Mechanics
  
• Steel Workers
  
• Insulators
  
• Boilermakers
  
• Shipfitters
  
• Maintenance Workers
  
• Pipe Fitters
  
• Any other occupation where exposure to asbestos is possible or likely

Once Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the chances of recovery vary according to several factors, including the size and location of the tumor, how much it has spread, and the age of the patient.

In general, the earlier that Mesothelioma is diagnosed, the better the chances of survival. So if you experience any of the common Mesothelioma symptoms, see your doctor right away.