One of the reasons that mesothelioma is so devastating is that the average person doesn’t notice signs of the condition until it progresses to an advanced stage. The sooner people receive a diagnosis, the more options they have for treatment.
If you or someone in your family has worked with asbestos in the past, you may need to monitor yourself or your loved one for the early warning signs of mesothelioma.
What kinds of symptoms will cancer of the organ linings cause?
Different forms of mesothelioma produce different symptoms
Unfortunately, the most common symptoms early in mesothelioma are also generic symptoms. People with pleural mesothelioma report pain in their lower backs and the side of their torsos. They may develop a cough or have persistent shortness of breath. Trouble swallowing, a sore throat, swollen arms and swollen faces are all possible warnings of mesothelioma in the chest.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause swelling and pain in the abdomen, nausea and constipation. Pericardial mesothelioma may cause chest pain, changes to the heart’s rhythm and shortness of breath. People with any form of mesothelioma may notice a loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever and sweating.
Being proactive with monitoring yourself can go a long way toward securing a diagnosis quickly. Earlier treatment can improve someone’s prognosis and quality of life. Protecting yourself from mesothelioma or advocating for yourself as someone with workplace asbestos exposure means knowing your rights and also being able to identify the warning signs of this deadly form of cancer.