Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of mesothelioma early on may be resembling viral pneumonia, pleural mesothelioma patients may be present with shortness of breath, chest pain and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. In this type of mesothelioma the right lung is affected 60% of the time with both lungs being affected under 5% of the time. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.

One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the parietal pleura and the visceral pleura. Both of these membranes are covered with mesothelial cells which, under normal conditions, produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. Any excess fluid is absorbed by blood and lymph vessels maintaining a balance. When too much fluid forms, the result is an effusion. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea", and sometimes pain, ranging from mild to stabbing, may occur. Fatigue and discomfort are accompanied by heaviness in the chest or abdomen area. If you or someone you love have been exposed to asbestos and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be having any one or all of these symptoms. Mesothelioma is a rare and dangerous form of cancer. Time is very important at this time. Some symptoms may not show for up to 50 years making it often times impossible to treat.

The Maune Raichle Law Firm has represented numerous mesothelioma cases and is dedicated to each client. If you have mesothelioma symptoms, see your physician at once and contact our offices; we may be able to help you.

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