Mesothelioma Cancer Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

• Shortness of breath and chest pain
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Fatigue and weight loss
• Coughing up blood
• Lumps of tissue under the skin on the chest
• Difficulty swallowing

These symptoms may not appear until 20-50 years after exposure to asbestos, the primary cause of mesothelioma. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions, so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis.

What Causes Mesothelioma Other Than Asbestos

Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma. However, there are a few other potential causes of mesothelioma that have been identified, including:

• Simian virus 40 (SV40) - a virus that has been found in some cases of mesothelioma.
• Erionite - a naturally occurring mineral that has been linked to mesothelioma in some areas of Turkey.
• Radiation - exposure to certain types of radiation, such as thorium dioxide (Thorotrast), has been linked to an increased risk of mesothelioma.

It is important to note that these causes are considered to be less common and are generally associated with a relatively small proportion of mesothelioma cases. The overwhelming majority of mesotheliomas are caused by asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Life Expectancy

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. The life expectancy for someone with mesothelioma depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the type of treatment they receive. On average, the life expectancy for someone with mesothelioma is around 12-21 months. However, some patients may live longer with treatment and good overall health. It's important to note that every case is unique, and patients should discuss their prognosis with their healthcare team.

What Can Be Mistaken For Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can be mistaken for other types of cancer, such as lung cancer or pleural effusion. In addition, the symptoms of mesothelioma can be similar to those of other lung diseases, such as pneumonia or pleurisy. It's important to get a proper diagnosis from a doctor in order to determine the cause of your symptoms and to receive the appropriate treatment.

Can A Chest Xray Show Mesothelioma?

A chest X-ray can sometimes show abnormalities that suggest the presence of mesothelioma, such as pleural thickening or fluid buildup in the pleural space. However, chest X-rays are not always accurate in detecting mesothelioma and other imaging tests such as CT scan, MRI or PET scan might be needed for a definite diagnosis. Also, mesothelioma can be difficult to detect in its early stages, and a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Can Blood Test Detect Mesothelioma?

A blood test alone cannot definitively diagnose mesothelioma, but it can be used to help detect the presence of the cancer. One such test is called the mesothelioma-associated antigen (MAA) test, which measures levels of a protein called soluble mesothelin-related peptides (SMRP) in the blood. Elevated levels of SMRP can indicate the presence of mesothelioma, but the test is not specific to this cancer and can also be elevated in other conditions. A combination of imaging tests, a biopsy, and blood tests are typically used to diagnose mesothelioma.

Where In The Lung Does Mesothelioma Begin?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the lung, called the pleura. The pleura is a thin layer of tissue that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside of the chest cavity. Mesothelioma typically starts in the cells of the pleura, but in some cases it can also start in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining around the heart (pericardium).

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, it is strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, which is a mineral that was widely used in the past in a variety of industrial and construction applications. Most people who develop mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos on the job, usually through inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Where Is The Pain With Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen. The most common symptom is chest pain, which can be caused by the tumor growing in the pleural lining of the lungs and pressing on the lungs or chest wall. The pain may also be caused by fluid build-up in the pleural space (pleural effusion) or inflammation of the pleura. Some people may also experience abdominal pain if the cancer affects the peritoneal lining of the abdomen. Back pain, shortness of breath, and weight loss are also common symptoms of mesothelioma.