Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is consider by many to be somewhat rare in occurrence. This is because this type of cancer is much less frequent as many other more well known types. Mesothelioma can affect the areas of the abdomen lining of the lungs and the heart. A large number of individuals who develop this type of cancer suffer few if any of the symptoms known to be associated with this disease. Although mesothelioma does not occur as often as other types of cancer it is becoming much more common and comes with a very high mortality rate. Many individuals diagnosed with Mesothelioma do not survive beyond a year after this diagnosis. This of course is dependent on how quickly the condition is discovered as well as how aggressively it is treated.
The most direct cause of mesothelioma cancer is the exposure to a dangerous substance commonly known as asbestos. When a person inhales fibers which contain asbestos or this substance is ingested it can become stuck in the body cavities of that person. This can happen quite easily and often leads to the development of inflammation as well as serious infections.
The various symptoms that may accompany a person who has developed mesothelioma are largely dependent on the specific area which is affected. For instance, if this type of cancer affects the area of the heart there are a multitude of symptoms which may occur. Some of these include chest pain, difficulty breathing, night sweats, irregular heartbeat and heart palpitations. Lung symptoms may include lumps under the skin of the chest, fatigue, chest pain, shortness of breath and a cough that lingers. Abdominal symptoms when present may manifest in a variety of ways such as loss of weight, bowel obstruction, nausea and pain and swelling in the area of the abdominal cavity.
Sometimes mesothelioma can also affect the testicles of male patients with this disease. When this occurs it may produce lumps in this area. In some individuals these lumps may be very painful while in others there may no pain at all.
It is quite common for individuals who have developed this type of cancer to show no signs or symptoms for many years after the asbestos exposure has occurred. In still other cases the symptoms which are present may be indicative of a minor condition. This creates a serious problem because it makes it very difficult to have this disease properly diagnosed. This in turn prolongs treatment which greatly increases the rate of mortality in relation to mesothelioma.
If you are aware that you have been exposed asbestos at any point during your life it is vital that you take notice of the signs your body may be giving you. The sooner that these symptoms are noticed and brought to the attention of skilled medical professionals the better the chances will be that treatment will be effective. Proper diagnosis will include a medical exam and various tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma cancer. Once this has been confirmed treatment and the process of healing may begin.