Symptoms of mesothelioma may not occur for 30 to
50 years after an individual is exposed to asbestos.
Unfortunately, the early symptoms of mesothelioma
are often non-specific and can sometimes be confused
with other illnesses such as pneumonia. Part of
the reason that Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed
is that many of the symptoms are similar to pneumonia,
including shortness of breath, persistent cough
and chest pain. These similarities can sometimes
lead to a delay in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Making
matters more difficult is the fact that some patients
show no symptoms of their mesothelioma.
When symptoms
of mesothelioma do appear, they often manifest themselves
as shortness of breath and chest pains. The exact
symptoms will often depend on which area the mesothelioma
is affecting. For instance, some symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal pain,
bowel obstruction, anemia and fever.
ONLY A DOCTOR CAN
PROPERLY DISGNOSE MESOTHELIOMA
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, YOU
SHOULD CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Who needs
to be examined for Mesothelioma?
Individuals
who have been exposed to asbestos (or suspect they
have been exposed) dust on the job or at home via
a family contact should inform their physician of
their exposure history and any symptoms. Asbestos
fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or
material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical
examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function
tests, may be recommended.
It is important
to note that chest x-rays cannot detect asbestos
fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify
any lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure.
Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the
help of a specialist who is experienced in reading
x-rays for asbestos-related diseases. Other tests
also may be necessary.
As noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related
diseases may not become apparent for many decades
after exposure. If any of the following symptoms
develop, a physical examination should be scheduled
without delay:
Shortness of breath;
A cough or a change in cough pattern;
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the
lungs;
Pain in the chest or abdomen;
Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness;
and/or
Significant weight loss.
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