The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma(the pleura is the outer lining of the lungs and internal chest wall).There is also peritoneal mesothelioma(the peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity).It can also affect the pericardium(the outer lining of the heart) or the tunica vaginalis(the sac that surrounds the testis).
Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20-50 years or more after exposure to asbestos.Symptoms depend on the site or location of disease
For mesothelioma that affects the pleura,the following symptoms may be present:
- · Shortness of breath.
- · Heavy feeling in the chest region.
These two are the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma and are a result of pleural effusion(build up of fluid in the chest area).They should be taken seriously especially if the individual has a history of exposure to asbestos.Other symptoms include:
- · Unexplained weight loss.
- · Chest wall pain.
- · Difficulty swallowing.
- · Cough or wheezing.
- · Anaemia and fatigue.
- · Blood in the sputum(haemoptysis)
In severe cases,there may be tumour masses,collapse of the lungs and spread to other parts of the body(metastasis).
Symptoms of mesothelioma in cases of peritoneal involvement are often not detectable until in the late stages of the disease.They include:
- · Abdominal pain.
- · Weight loss.
- · A mass in the abdomen.
- · Ascites(a build up of fluid in the abdominal cavity).
- · Bowel obstruction.
- · Anaemia.
In severe cases,there may be blood clots in the veins,disseminated intravascular coagulation,a disorder characterized by bleeding in many body organs,jaundice( yellowing of the eyes and skin),hypoglycaemia(low blood sugar level),pleural effusion,pulmonary emboli(blood clots in the arteries of the lungs),severe ascites.
As with other types of cancer,early diagnosis offers better prognosis.It is therefore imperative that persons with history of exposure to asbestos whether as a factory worker or a family member of a worker in the asbestos industry should present themselves for regular screening,whether or not they are experiencing any discomfort in the chest area.
