Mesothelioma Symptoms: A Guide

Mesothelioma is considered to be one of the deadliest and rarest kinds of cancer. It develops cancerous or malignant cells in the mesothelium. Mesothelium is a protective cell which covers mostly many internal body organs. They can also damage other organs in your body by spreading the damaged cells to other parts or organs.

The various types of mesothelioma are Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma and Pericardial Mesothelioma. Pleura are the membrane 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. The abnormal proliferation of these cells causes this rare form of cancer.

Mesothelioma starts in tiny lumps in the membrane of pleura. This may not be shown on scans or x-rays until they are grown up large. Mesothelioma is developed mainly in the person who inhales the asbestos particles - the major cause for this disease. The symptoms may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to the asbestos particles. In the case of pleural mesothelioma, shortness of breath and chest pain due to the accumulated fluid in the pleura are the major symptoms. Continuous cough and hoarse voice are also considered as other major symptoms in pleural mesothelioma. Abdominal pain, weight loss and swelling in the abdominal region due to a buildup of fluid are the major symptoms in peritoneal mesothelioma.

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