Mesothelioma Symptoms

Early Symptoms are Easy to Ignore

The symptoms of mesothelioma play an important role in the overall outlook of this condition and how it is treated. They are at the heart of what makes mesothelioma difficult to treat and impossible to cure in nearly every case. Mesothelioma symptoms are often ignored because they simply don’t seem that serious, especially in the early stages.

Even more difficult is the fact that mesothelioma’s early symptoms often mimic those of other, less serious conditions, leading many to disregard them entirely or misdiagnose them and treat for the wrong illness. This is why it is so vital that if you have been exposed to asbestos, you are aware of mesothelioma’s symptoms and be aware of the potential for a misdiagnosis that could delay life-saving treatment.

Symptoms Vary by Type of Mesothelioma

There are different types of mesothelioma depending on where in the body the tumors first grow. Each causes specific symptoms, though fatigue and weight loss are common in all types. It is important to remember that as the disease progresses, symptoms will change. New ones will appear and old ones will grow worse.

The most common categorization for mesothelioma is by the location in the body in which the tumor originated. So for pleural mesothelioma, for instance, the form of the cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs, the symptoms involve the respiratory system and breathing, while for peritoneal mesothelioma they are related to the abdomen and digestion.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma, with only about 100 cases ever reported. Because there have been so few cases, there is no comprehensive list of symptoms. Typically the symptom that leads to a diagnosis is the presence of a hydrocele. This is the buildup of fluid between the layers of the mesothelium within the scrotum.

The next most common complaint with this type of mesothelioma is a lump under the skin on one or both of the testicles. This is often mistaken for a hernia, a condition in which part of an abdominal organ or tissue protrudes through the wall of the abdominal muscle. Surgery to remove a lump discovered on the testicles is most often what leads to a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Without surgery it is difficult to determine if it is a hernia, mesothelioma, or another type of cancer.

Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is almost always malignant, which means that it has the potential to spread and invade tissues and organ outside of where it originated in the body. Benign mesothelioma is very rare, but possible. It is unrelated to asbestos exposure and may begin with a tumor in any area of the mesothelium. The tumor may grow very large and can be surgically removed, but it may also recur after surgery.

The symptoms of benign mesothelioma are similar to the early symptoms of malignant mesothelioma. In the pleura it may cause shortness of breath, pleural effusion, and chest pains, just as with malignant pleural mesothelioma. In the peritoneum it can cause indigestion, swelling, and loss of appetite. The larger the tumor grows, the worse the symptoms may be, although surgery typically relieves all symptoms and cures the condition.

Symptoms and the Latency Period

Mesothelioma has a long latency period—up to 50 years—compared to other illnesses and cancers. This is the period of time between the exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis. One reason there is such a long latency is that the symptoms are often mild in the early stages of mesothelioma. Many people do not take them seriously until they worsen as the cancer develops. Another issue is that the symptoms mimic those of more common illnesses. This further delays diagnosis and lengthens the latency period.

Symptoms of Metastasis

Metastasis, the spread of cancer cells to more distant tissues in the body, may first begin in stage III of mesothelioma. As the tumor metastasizes, symptoms typically become more severe. Chest pains, pleural effusion, shortness of breath, and other signs worsen. The symptoms may also shift depending on where the cancer spreads.

As pleural mesothelioma metastasizes, it may begin to spread to the lymph nodes, the pericardium and peritoneum, the diaphragm, the chest wall, and the lungs. Symptoms may progress to include abdominal symptoms, fatigue, and fever. Peritoneal mesothelioma may spread to the intestines, liver, spleen, stomach, and other abdominal organs causing more related symptoms with greater severity.

Early Detection of Symptoms is Crucial

It is vitally important that if you know, or even suspect, that you have been exposed to asbestos, you educate yourself about these symptoms and let your physician know about your occupational or environmental history. Because few physicians have ever dealt with mesothelioma, the condition and its symptoms are easy to overlook. Time is of the utmost importance. Being aware of early symptoms can gain you valuable treatment time.

If you suspect you have been given a misdiagnosis, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. A good doctor not only won’t mind that you do, he or she will encourage you to take the steps you need to feel more comfortable. A second opinion for a condition as serious and as easy to misdiagnose as mesothelioma just makes sense.

It’s also a good idea to take your concerns to a specialist. Mesothelioma is a highly specialized type of cancer. Most doctors, even oncologists, have little to no experience diagnosing or treating it. Especially if you have the risk factors for mesothelioma, if you experience symptoms that concern you, seek out a specialist in this kind of cancer or a cancer center that staffs experts in mesothelioma. It could be the best decision you make for your health and your future.