EFN

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer primarily caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos; though the symptoms of this deadly disease are readily apparent, oftentimes early warning signs can be overlooked because of their similarity to other common ailments. In addition, because of symptoms that occur between 15 and 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is rarely caught in its early stages. Due to the evasive nature of this disease, it is important to undergo pulmonary function tests or chest x-rays if one is sure of previous exposure to asbestos; unfortunately, few individuals actually take this initiative, and knowledge of the symptoms of mesothelioma is, therefore, necessary.

Mesothelioma most often manifests itself in the forms of Pleural, Peritoneal, and Pericardial mesothelioma; these three forms occur approximately 65 percent of the time, 30 percent of the time, and five percent of the time respectively. Though all three are forms of the same disease, each one presents distinct symptoms.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma:

- Persistent cough, often involving the coughing up of blood
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma:

- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Unexplainable weight loss
- Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting
- Abdominal pain

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma:

- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing