Mesothelioma Symptoms – Red Flag Signs – You must not ignore
In the human body, the internal organs are covered by a thin membrane called as mesothelium. The purpose of the membrane is to keep the internal organs intact. A type of cancer that affects the mesothelium is known as Mesothelioma. Researches have revealed that the main reason for the condition of Mesothelioma is constant exposure to asbestos.
Although the development of mesothelioma occurs in various membranes such as the pleura, which is the outer lining of the lungs; peritoneum, the lining in the abdominal cavity; pericardium, the lining that covers the heart and the tunica vaginalis, a membrane that covers the testicles, the two major types that occur more commonly include Pleural mesothelioma and Peritoneal mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form, which develops within the mesothelium. Once asbestos fibers enter the lungs, even the healthiest body will find it very difficult to eliminate them. The accumulation of asbestos fiber causes mutation over a period of time. This results in malicious tumors on the membrane.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma on the other hand is quite rare when compared to that of Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer occurs in the lining that covers the abdominal cavity. The reasons include accumulation of asbestos fibers either through breathing or ingestion.
Symptoms of the ailment
Usually, malignant tumors appear only after several years of constant exposure to asbestos fibers. Although modern tests can diagnose mesothelioma, in most cases it is diagnosed only in the later stages. However, some of the symptoms of the ailment can give you an early clue.
For example in case of pleural mesothelioma, shortness of breath may occur because of the fluid stagnation between the lungs and the chest wall. There may be chest pain and other signs like incomprehensible weight loss. When it comes to the peritoneal mesothelioma, the symptoms may include abdominal pain and chronic indigestion this may also be accompanied by dramatic weight loss. Detection is possible with X-ray and CT scan; however, biopsy is the only way to confirm the ailment. Early detection can be efficiently treated and the life expectancy of the patient can be extended considerably.














