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MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS |
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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 diagnose Mesothelioma. If you think you have any of these symptoms, you should contact a doctor immediately. Who needs to be examined for Asbestosis or Mesothelioma? 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. |
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| MESOTHELIOMA RELATED ITEMS | ||
