Mesothelioma: Signs, Symptoms and Risk Factors
Signs and symptoms
Even when symptoms in the early stages of mesothelioma do develop, they tend to be ignored in part because they can also be an indication of other common diseases. And, because mesothelioma can take 20 to 40 years to develop, the possibility of contracting it is typically not on the top of the patient's mind.
The first symptom is often a persistent chest pain, followed by coughing and shortness of breath. In addition to these symptoms, the first symptoms of those with peritoneal mesothelioma (that of the lining of the abdominal cavity) include abdominal pain and swelling, loss of appetite, nausea, and bowel obstruction.
A more complete, but not comprehensive, list of symptoms grouped by type of mesothelioma follows. A description of the three types of mesothelioma can be found in our article Mesothelioma: description and history.
Pleural mesothelioma
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation in the lung lining)
- Back pain
- Fever
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Paralysis
Peritoneal mesothelioma
- Abdominal mass accumulation or swelling
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Bowel obstruction
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Blood clots
- Hernia
Pericardial mesothelioma
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular breathing patterns
- Irregular heart beats
While many of these symptoms can be indicators of other diseases, you should nevertheless consult with a physician if they persist. Early detection of mesothelioma increases the probability that the cancerous cells can be removed through surgery. For more information on how mesotheliama is diagnosed by your doctor, see our article, Mesothelioma: diagnosis, screening, and prevention.
Risk factors
The principal risk factor for developing malignant mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. While most use of asbestos has ceased after 1989, it is still used in some products. And since asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, it can be found in rocks and dust in certain parts throughout the world.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), up to 733,000 public buildings and schools in the United States presently contain asbestos insulation. And while exposure to asbestos particles in building materials and suspended in the air is less hazardous than that in asbestos-related occupational settings, it can still be very hazardous when asbestos is being removed.
Because there is no longer direct exposure to asbestos in a work setting, the rate of incidence for mesothelioma in men is dropping. But the incidence rate for women has remained steady, suggesting that exposure to asbestos at home and in the environment continues.
At least one study has linked mesothelioma to naturally occurring asbestos deposits in mountains.
The risk of mesothelioma also does not appear to decrease with time after exposure to asbestos. Rather, it seems to remain undiminished throughout one's lifetime. It is estimated that as many as eight million Americans have been exposed to it.Other less common potential causes of mesothelioma include radiation, zeolite (which is chemically related to asbestos), tobacco (which can increase the risk for mesothelioma when combined with exposure to asbestos), and SV40 virus.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced mesothelioma (asbestos litigation) lawyer can advise you of your rights and options.
Contact us today to find an experienced mesothelioma lawyer near you.
