Mesothelioma is a rare and rather aggressive form of cancer that takes years to develop and usually isn’t detected until after it’s reached the late stages of growth. Unfortunately, this typically leads to a poor long-term outlook and lower survival rates.
With all of this being said, there are some early signs of mesothelioma that you can watch for. And while many of them mimic other health issues, noticing them in combination should alert some internal alarm bells and encourage you to reach out to your doctor for testing.
Here are a few of these early warning signs:
- Shortness of Breath
One of the first signs of mesothelioma is shortness of breath. This symptom is typically caused by a buildup of fluid between the lungs and the chest wall, a condition known as pleural effusion. As fluid accumulates, it puts pressure on the lungs, making it difficult to breathe deeply. You may notice that simple activities like walking up a flight of stairs or carrying groceries leave you feeling winded.
Shortness of breath may be mild at first, but it tends to get worse over time as the fluid continues to build up. If you experience unexplained difficulty breathing, especially if you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, it’s crucial to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Doctors can use imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to detect fluid buildup and assess whether it may be related to mesothelioma.
- Persistent Cough
Another early warning sign of mesothelioma is a persistent cough. Unlike the occasional cough that comes with a cold or allergies, the cough associated with mesothelioma doesn’t go away and may even get worse over time. The cough can be dry or produce phlegm, and in some cases, it may be accompanied by chest pain.
The cough may develop because the tumor is irritating the lining of the lungs or pressing against the chest cavity. If you find yourself coughing frequently without any clear cause – especially if it’s not associated with a respiratory infection – this could be an early sign of mesothelioma, and you should consult with a healthcare provider.
- Chest Pain or Discomfort
As mesothelioma progresses, you may experience chest pain or discomfort. This is typically caused by the tumor pressing on the chest wall, ribs, or nerves. The pain may be localized to one side of the chest or feel more generalized, depending on where the tumor is growing.
At first, the pain may be mild and feel like soreness or discomfort. However, as the tumor grows, it can become more severe and constant. If you notice persistent pain in your chest, especially if it worsens when you breathe deeply or move, it’s important to get checked out by a doctor. Early detection can make a significant difference in managing symptoms and slowing the disease’s progression.
- Fatigue
One of the less specific but still common early signs of mesothelioma is fatigue. While fatigue can be caused by many conditions, persistent, unexplained tiredness could be a red flag if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
Mesothelioma can cause a person to feel extremely tired even when they’ve had enough rest. This type of fatigue can interfere with daily activities, making it difficult to work, exercise, or stay active. If you feel like your energy levels have dropped significantly without an obvious cause, it’s worth mentioning to your doctor, especially if you have other symptoms.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is another potential early sign of mesothelioma. People with mesothelioma may lose weight without trying due to the body’s increased energy demands as it fights the disease. Additionally, loss of appetite can be common in people with mesothelioma, further contributing to weight loss.
If you notice that you’ve lost a significant amount of weight without changing your diet or exercise habits, and you’re experiencing other symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, or chest pain, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider.
- Abdominal Pain and Swelling
While most cases of mesothelioma affect the lining of the lungs (pleura), some cases occur in the lining of the abdomen, known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Early signs of this type of mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, and digestive issues. You might experience bloating, changes in bowel habits, or a feeling of fullness even when you haven’t eaten much.
The abdominal pain can be mild at first, but as the tumor grows, it can become more intense and persistent. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos and experience abdominal symptoms that don’t resolve with standard treatment, it’s important to seek medical advice.
- Fever and Night Sweats
Another potential early sign of mesothelioma is a low-grade fever or night sweats. These symptoms are often overlooked because they’re common with many illnesses, but when combined with other signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, or weight loss, they could be indicative of a more serious condition.
If you’re experiencing recurring fevers or waking up drenched in sweat at night without any obvious reason, it’s worth discussing these symptoms with your doctor, especially if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
Speak With a Medical Professional
You can’t self-diagnose yourself with mesothelioma after reading an article on the internet. It’s important that you always approach your doctor with any medical concerns – including mesothelioma – and let them schedule the appropriate tests to uncover any hidden issues. However, the information in this article should give you an idea of some of the symptoms to keep an eye out for.
