Patients with malignant mesothelioma generally do not display any symptoms until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos occurs. This is due to the long latency period (the amount of time it takes for a patient to demonstrate symptoms after initial exposure to a disease-causing agent) associated with mesothelioma. The symptoms of mesothelioma are very general and often resemble less serious conditions, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma a patient has, but the most common symptoms expressed by pleural mesothelioma patients include shortness of breath, chest pain and persistent cough. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may display symptoms such as abdominal swelling, changes in bowel movement and development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma may experience heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing and fever or night sweats. Testicular mesothelioma patients may notice testicular lumps.
Asbestos.com offers a complimentary informational packet personalized to a patient’s specific mesothelioma diagnosis. With information about the cancer, treatment options and top doctors, many patients and their loved ones find the packet to be a valuable resource. Click here for more information or to receive your complimentary packet overnight.
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