Mesothelioma — Symptoms — Overview
Mesothelioma has earned a reputation as a cancer that is very difficult to treat effectively. This reputation is partly due to the fact that in its early stages, mesothelioma symptoms are quite non-specific, making early diagnosis quite difficult. In addition, the disease usually lays dormant for up to five decades, and symptoms don’t appear until the cancer has reached its late stages.
Non-Specificity of Mesothelioma Symptoms
The first symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to symptoms of other diseases that are much less serious. For example, early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (which develops in the pleural lining of the lungs) often resemble symptoms of influenza or pneumonia. Similarly, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma (which develops in the pericardial lining of the heart) are similar to symptoms of other cardiac conditions.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of the following symptoms, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Also, in the interest of early detection, those who know they were exposed but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest X-rays or pulmonary function tests to monitor any adverse affects of asbestos inhalation.
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