Because mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer, it is important to identify the symptoms as soon as possible. By doing so, you can focus on getting the necessary treatment quickly. This cancer can advance swiftly, spreading throughout the body and even turning fatal. By knowing what symptoms to look for, you give yourself the best possible chance of medical intervention and recovery.
But what symptoms should you be watching out for? Let’s take a look at some of the most common ones.
Pleural mesothelioma
One important thing to remember is that you can have mesothelioma in your chest or your abdomen. Pleural mesothelioma, which is in the chest, often leads to symptoms like lower back pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, issues swallowing and a persistent cough. It impacts the tissues around the lungs, which is why it makes it harder for people to breathe. It can also lead to swelling and weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
When mesothelioma occurs in the abdomen, it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. This often leads to swelling, sensitivity and pain in the abdominal region. It can also lead to nausea and vomiting, and people may have constipation or even intestinal blockages. In some cases, this type of mesothelioma is misdiagnosed as a stomach ulcer or some other type of less dire medical condition.
Seeking compensation
If you do identify the symptoms of mesothelioma, the treatment can still be very expensive and the disease can have a major financial impact on your future. You and your family members must be aware of the different legal steps you can take and all of the options that you have moving forward.