Mesothelioma Symptoms

Victims of mesothelioma in Syracuse and elsewhere in upstate New York have found that symptoms typically develop over a long period of time, often decades. There are cases on record of mesothelioma victims first reporting symptoms 50 and 60 years after they came into contact with asbestos. Obviously, this is the primary factor in the difficulty of obtaining an early diagnosis of mesothelioma. Another problem is that mesothelioma is rare, and its initial symptoms – coughing, non-specific chest pains – can be attributed to a variety of health problems. And because mesothelioma is rare, doctors may be unfamiliar with the disease in the first place and be unlikely to suspect it in an initial visit.

The difficulty of diagnosing mesothelioma is significant, because detecting the disease in its early stages is critical for the most effective treatment. Many procedures that return an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma do exist, however, and early detection creates the best opportunity for patients to beat this disease.

Early symptoms of mesothelioma can vary but are often like those of pneumonia. We’ve listed symptoms below that are common to various stages of mesothelioma but may also be caused by other medical problems that are less serious. If you are experiencing any of these, you should see a physician immediately. The information below should not be substituted for a professional medical examination.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

• Pleural Effusion. The accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity is known as a “pleural effusion.” It is one of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma. As the pleural effusion curbs the function of the lungs, it is likely to cause a nagging cough and, as the volume of fluid increases, sometimes pain in the chest wall.
• Shortness of Breath. A pleural effusion (above) and/or tumors in the pleural lining can also cause difficulty breathing (dyspnea).
• Chest and Back Pain. Increasing volumes of fluid around the lungs and on the chest wall may create a feeling of fullness and pressure, which may produce chest pain or lower back pain. Pain is more likely on the right side of the chest, because mesothelioma affects the right lung 60 percent of the time. Mesothelioma is found in both lungs in only 5 percent of patients.
• Difficulty Swallowing / Hoarseness / Coughing Up Blood. Though they occur in less than 1 percent of sufferers, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), chronic hoarseness, and/or coughing up blood (hemoptysis) are also mesothelioma symptoms.
• Facial and Arm Swelling. If the cancer has spread beyond the chest, the mesothelioma patient may experience swelling in the face or neck.
• Other Symptoms. Mesothelioma patients may also suffer from fever, nausea, muscle weakness and diminished sensory acuity.

Shown below is the percentage of mesothelioma patients who report these various symptoms:

• Chest pain or shortness of breath: 90 percent.
• Pleural effusion: 84 percent.
• Weight loss: 29 percent.
• Cough, weakness, fever, loss of appetite: 3 percent.
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis), hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia): less than 1 percent.
• Not exhibiting symptoms (asymptomatic): 3 percent.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

• Pain or Swelling.  As the volume of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) increases, victims of peritoneal mesothelioma usually experience pain and swelling.
• Obstructed Bowels. Acites (see above) and tumors in the peritoneum membranes exert pressure on abdominal organs, which may lead to bowel obstruction and distention.
• Anemia / Nausea / Weight Loss. Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and the discomfort of pressure exerted by tumors can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and other “wasting symptoms” in the mesothelioma patient.
• Additional Problems. Peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers may also experience a change in the frequency of urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue.

Contact Our Syracuse, NY Mesothelioma Attorneys

If you or a loved one from the Syracuse area has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the New York asbestos lawsuit lawyers of Belluck & Fox, LLP, can help. The firm’s team of personal injury attorneys, concentrating on mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases, has successfully handled cases in every county in New York State, including Onondaga County. Belluck & Fox attorneys provide professional, personalized advocacy for their clients, and they can help you determine the legal options appropriate for you and your family.

For more information, use our online contact form or call Belluck & Fox, LLP’s mesothelioma lawyers toll-free from anywhere in New York at 877-MESOTHELIOMA (637-6843).