What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare form of lung cancer that manifests in the mucus lining of the lungs, which is specifically caused by asbestos exposure.

When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, the fibers can cause severe scarring in the lungs or stomach and can eventually manifest into cancer.

It is important to note that mesothelioma can take up to 50 years to develop to the point of showing symptoms, which often causes patients to be diagnosed at a latent stage with a shortened life expectancy.

With this mind, it is important for people who were exposed to asbestos to be on the lookout for early warning signs of mesothelioma cancer.

People who worked in one or more of the following occupations could face an increased risk of mesothelioma, along with other asbestos diseases:

• Shipyard Workers
• Construction Workers
• Asbestos Miners
• Industrial Workers
• Insulators
• Boiler Workers
• Auto Mechanics
• Construction Tradesman
• Firefighters
• Contractors
• Demolition Workers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Shipyard Workers
• United States Navy Veterans

In addition to these occupations, spouses and other family members of these people should be wary of potential second hand exposure. This occurs when fibers are accidentally inhaled or swallowed while handling the primary carrier’s clothing during activities like laundry or even simple hugging.

Furthermore, certain genetic mutations in families with the gene BAP1 have been linked to mesothelioma development, but this is rare.

What are the most common warning signs of mesothelioma?

Common warning signs of mesothelioma often include shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs, and chest pain. Patients also typically experience bloating, abdominal or chest pain, bowel changes, decreased appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

It is important to note that at stage three or four, tumors may start pressing against nerves, organs, bones, and other parts of the body.

Due to the fact that mesothelioma does not exhibit symptoms later in its development, it is almost impossible to detect the disease during its early stages. Other symptoms of mesothelioma include, but are not limited to:

• Dry Cough or Wheezing
• Respiratory Complications
• Fever or Night Sweats
• Fatigue
• Muscle Weakness

Are there different warning signs of mesothelioma at different stages?

The reason why latent diagnoses occur in mesothelioma patients is that the tumors do not typically become big enough to impact the body’s functions until later stages.

In addition, the location of the tumors will also make the symptoms between patients vary because of the different functions the organs have in the body. With this in mind, late-stage warnings signs of mesothelioma include but are not limited to:

• Increased or persistent ain
• Anemia and associated fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Bowel obstruction

Is there a cure for mesothelioma?

There is currently no cure for mesothelioma, and patients are often not expected to live long after diagnosis. However, there are a variety of treatments available that doctors will recommend based on the severity of the disease and the location of the tumors.

Oftentimes doctors may recommend the following strategies to help manage mesothelioma symptoms:

• Special dietary plans
• Alternative therapies (acupuncture, etc…)
• Mesothelioma specialists
• Radiation therapy