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| Symptoms of Mesothelioma |
Diagnosing an asbestos-related disease can be challenging due the diseases’ long latency period. Symptoms of these diseases may not arise for 10, 20, or even 50 years after asbestos exposure.
When symptoms do begin to appear, they are often similar to those of less serious conditions and respiratory illnesses, making asbestos-related diseases even more difficult to accurately diagnose.
The three most common asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. Listed below are the most common symptoms related to each disease. If you believe you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
There are three main types of mesothelioma, each affecting a different part of the body. Symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, or the pleura.
Early symptoms often include:
- Chest or lower back pain
- Shortness of breath
Other symptoms may include:
- Persistent hoarseness or dry coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Painful breathing
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen, or the peritoneum.
Early symptoms often include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Change in bowel habits
Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bowel obstructions
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Anemia
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops within the lining of the heart, or the pericardium.
Symptoms may include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Heart palpitations or murmurs
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Symptoms of Other Asbestos-Related Diseases
Asbestosis Symptoms
Asbestosis is a chronic, non-cancerous respiratory disease.
Symptoms of asbestosis may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Cracking sound when breathing
- Persistent cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling in neck or face
Lung Cancer Symptoms
The ratio of lung cancer diagnosed in people directly exposed to asbestos is significantly higher than in the general population. Some of the more common symptoms of asbestos lung cancer include:
- Persistent hoarseness or coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Anemia
