Asbestos Lung Mesothelioma - The Symptoms To Watch Out For
Worried about asbestos exposure and the possibility of asbestos lung mesothelioma? Read more about the symptoms of the disease, and know what to do next.
For many decades, asbestos has been one of the most widely-used industry materials because of its versatility. However, it has also been proven to be lethal as inhalation of asbestos fibers can result to a wide range of health problems, the worst of which is asbestos lung mesothelioma, also known as pleural mesothelioma.
What is asbestos lung mesothelioma? This is a fatal type of cancer that attacks the linings and membranes that surround the lungs, and is mainly caused by buildup of plaque due to asbestos fibers lodged in the lung linings. One of the most troubling characteristics of asbestos lung mesothelioma is that it usually sets in decades after the body has been initially exposed to the asbestos. It usually takes anywhere from 20 to 40 years for the first signs and symptoms to manifest.
The early symptoms of asbestos lung mesothelioma are general in nature, and because they are much like that of less serious ailments, these signs and symptoms are often ignored. This delays the diagnosis even further, such that the lengthy disease development leads to a malignant form of mesothelioma. Victims generally begin to manifest symptoms only two to three months before the symptoms become serious and a proper diagnosis can be made.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include the following:
- Breathing difficulties
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Uncontrollable sweating
- Loss of Weight
- Recurring Fever
- Weariness, lack of energy
- Muscle weakness
- Lower back pains
- Some face and arm swelling
- Pain felt in the side of the chest
Nausea, anemia, bowel obstruction and swelling of the feet are also sometimes observed. Still, some patients with mesothelioma sometimes show no symptoms at all.
Doctors usually observe pleural effusion or buildup of fluid, as shown in a chest x-ray result. The right lung is usually affected in 60% of patients, while involvement of both lungs has been observed in only about 5% of mesothelioma sufferers.
Note though that if you show these signs and symptoms, it does not automatically mean that you are inflicted with the disease. You must consult your doctor immediately for proper diagnosis. It is only after a proper diagnosis that you can decide on treatment options and other important decisions related to contracting asbestos lung mesothelioma. If you have had any history of dealing with asbestos it is very important to inform your doctor of this fact so that he can take it into consideration during the medical examination.
