|
Symptoms of
mesothelioma may not occur for 30 to 50 years after an
individual is exposed to asbestos. Unfortunately, the early
symptoms of mesothelioma are often non-specific and can
sometimes be confused with other illnesses such as
pneumonia. Part of the reason that Mesothelioma is often
misdiagnosed is that many of the symptoms are similar to
pneumonia, including shortness of breath, persistent cough
and chest pain. These similarities can sometimes lead to a
delay in a mesothelioma diagnosis. Making matters more
difficult is the fact that some patients show no symptoms of
their mesothelioma.
When symptoms of mesothelioma do appear, they often manifest
themselves as shortness of breath and chest pains. The exact
symptoms will often depend on which area the mesothelioma is
affecting. For instance, some symptoms of peritoneal
mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal pain, bowel
obstruction, anemia and fever.
ONLY A DOCTOR
CAN PROPERLY DISGNOSE MESOTHELIOMA
IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS, YOU SHOULD
CONTACT A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY.
Who should be examined:
Individuals who have been
exposed to asbestos (or suspect they have been exposed) dust
on the job or at home via a family contact should inform
their physician of their exposure history and any symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can be measured in urine, feces, mucus, or
material rinsed out of the lungs. A thorough physical
examination, including a chest x-ray and lung function
tests, may be recommended.
It is important to note that chest x-rays cannot detect
asbestos fibers in the lungs, but they can help identify any
lung changes resulting from asbestos exposure.
Interpretation of the chest x-ray may require the help of a
specialist who is experienced in reading x-rays for
asbestos-related diseases. Other tests also may be
necessary.
As noted earlier, the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases
may not become apparent for many decades after exposure. If
any of the following symptoms develop, a physical
examination should be scheduled without delay:
Shortness of breath;
A cough or a change in cough pattern;
Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up from the lungs;
Pain in the chest or abdomen;
Difficulty in swallowing or prolonged hoarseness; and/or
Significant weight loss. |
