Mesothelioma history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Early mesothelioma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows in size, it may present with one or more symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor. | Early mesothelioma does not have any symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. As the tumor grows in size, it may present with one or more symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor. | ||
'''Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause:''' | '''Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause:''' | ||
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Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. | |||
Symptoms of [[peritoneum|peritoneal]] mesothelioma include weight loss and [[cachexia]], abdominal swelling and pain due to [[ascites]] (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, [[anemia]], and [[fever]]. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. | Symptoms of [[peritoneum|peritoneal]] mesothelioma include weight loss and [[cachexia]], abdominal swelling and pain due to [[ascites]] (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, [[anemia]], and [[fever]]. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. | ||
Revision as of 14:16, 3 February 2016
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]
Overview
History
Symptoms
Early mesothelioma does not have any symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. As the tumor grows in size, it may present with one or more symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Blood in sputum
- Fever
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Difficulty in swallowing
Mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum can cause:
Mesothelioma that affects the pericardium can cause:
Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:
- Chest wall pain
- Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue or anemia
- Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
- Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
- A mass in the abdomen
- Problems with bowel function
- Weight loss