Mesothelioma Symptoms


Pleural mesothelioma cancer is caused by inhaled asbestos fibers that have lodged in the pleura, which is the thin lining around the lungs. Over time, the microscopic mineral fibers cause scarring and genetic mutation in the cells around them.



Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the chest or on the lungs. There are two types of pleural effusion, trandsudate and exudate. Causes of transudate pleural effusion include congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and cirrhosis. Exudate pleural effusion can be caused by malignancy (cancer) or lung infection. Typically, transudate pleural effusion is more easily treatable. Symptoms of pleural effusion include: chest pain, pain when breathing, difficulty breathing, and cough. Treatment depends on the source or cause of the pleural effusion.



Late stages of pleural mesothelioma have more specific symptoms, but also include symptoms from the earlier stages. In stages 3 and 4, symptoms still include difficulty breathing, chest pains, and coughing, but these symptoms may be more severe.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer (malignancy) that most frequently arises from the cells lining the sacs of the chest (the pleura) or the abdomen (the peritoneum). Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, often presenting with symptoms in the chest area. Peritoneal mesothelioma is much less common. This can affect the organs in the abdomen, and its symptoms are related to this area of the body, that is, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and bowel obstruction. The rarest form of mesothelioma is pericardial mesothelioma, which involves the sac surrounding the heart.

The best thing to do in such cases is to start by talking with your family doctor. Explain to your doctor in as much detail as possible the symptoms you are experiencing, without leaving anything out. The more information your doctor has, the better he or she can diagnose the problem or refer you to a specialist.

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, the membrane that covers the lungs. The lungs are the main organs for breathing and are part of the respiratory system, along with the nose, mouth, windpipe (trachea), large airways (bronchi) and smaller airways (bronchioles). The lungs rest on the diaphragm, which is a wide, thin muscle that helps with breathing.

Many practices fall into this category — it refers to any healing practice outside of mainstream medical science and clinical trials. Many mesothelioma patients turn to CAM to improve their quality of life, and it shouldn’t be a problem for you as long as you are open and honest with your medical team about everything you consider. Before you begin any CAM therapy, you must check with your doctor to make sure it won’t interfere with your other medical treatments.

Although life expectancy with this disease is typically limited, there are notable survivors. In July 1982, Stephen Jay Gould, a well-regarded paleontologist, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. After his diagnosis, Gould wrote "The Median Isn't the Message", in which he argued that statistics such as median survival are useful abstractions, not destiny. Gould lived for another 20 years, eventually succumbing to cancer not linked to his mesothelioma.

Unfortunately these older web browsers do not support many crucial developments in online security, and therefore represent a threat to your online security, as well as the security of MNT. For the safety and security of your online experience, we strongly recommend that you switch to a more modern browser (we've provided links to a few at the top right of the page).

“I feel lucky, but I don’t feel like a miracle. I’ll reserve miracles for bigger and better things than me. I’m just a grateful guy today who thinks every day I wake up is a gift.” — John Owens, pleural mesothelioma survivor diagnosed in 2008


Post a Comment for "Mesothelioma Symptoms"