WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs (known as the mesothelium). The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that most
often starts in the covering of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) but can
also start in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Here is
information on symptoms and causes (including asbestos), tests and scans
to diagnose mesothelioma, treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and
radiotherapy, and current research. Information on living with
mesothelioma includes coping with your diagnosis, and managing when you
have advanced disease.
Most Common Mesothelioma Symptoms
In its early stages, mesothelioma does not
have many symptoms, whether it is in the chest (pleura) or the abdomen
(peritoneum). When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the
cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ. The symptoms
mentioned below can be caused by illnesses other than mesothelioma. But
if you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly
important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Sweating and high temperatures
- A persistent cough
- Losing weight when not dieting
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- A hoarse or husky voice
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are
- Pain in the abdomen (tummy)
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Feeling or being sick
- Poor appetite
- Losing weight when not dieting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
