Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of lung disease, usually results from asbestos exposure. While there’s no cure, early detection and aggressive early treatment can contribute to better life expectancy.
However, one of the reasons the disease is so deadly is that the first signs of mesothelioma mimic those of less serious health conditions. So what are the early warning signs of mesothelioma? What should you look out for that could indicate the beginnings of this disease?
At The Halpern Law Firm, we have over 30 years of experience handling mesothelioma cases. If you or a loved one suffers from mesothelioma, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your illness.
What Are the First Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
As is the case with more common lung cancer, the earliest signs and symptoms typically affect respiratory function. The most common symptoms include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry coughing
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Unexplained weight loss
However, the warning signs of mesothelioma vary. Some symptoms are general for all types; others are more specific.
Pleural Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
The most common form of mesothelioma is pleural, which affects the lining of the lung. The first symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very similar to conditions like the flu or pneumonia, which can result in a misdiagnosis. The earliest signs of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Difficulty swallowing
- Exhaustion
- Swelling of the arms and face
- Difficulty taking a deep breath
- Nausea
- Fever
- Muscle weakness
- Unexplained weight loss
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
After pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However, peritoneal mesothelioma doesn’t affect the lungs but rather the lining of the abdomen.
Therefore, many patients showing early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often receive a misdiagnosis for digestive-related conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. The most common symptoms include:
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal swelling
- Abdominal fluid buildup
Pericardial Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is very rare and affects the lining of the heart (the pericardium). The symptoms can result in a thickening of the heart’s lining, limiting healthy function and mimicking heart disease. Common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Heart murmurs
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Testicular Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Testicular mesothelioma causes swelling and inflammation of the testicles, which doctors often mistake for similar conditions like epididymitis. This form of mesothelioma is also very rare, with the most common symptoms including:
- Lumps in the scrotum
- Testicular pain
- Swelling and inflammation of the testicles
- Fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele)
Identifying Mesothelioma Symptoms By Stage
Pleural Mesothelioma occurs in four stages, all of which present different symptoms. The tumor size, location, and overall progression will determine the patient’s current stage and ultimate prognosis.
Stages 1 and 2: Early-Stage Mesothelioma
Symptoms for stages one and two of mesothelioma include:
- Abdominal or chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficult breathing normally
- Wheezing or dry coughing
- Fluid building up in the lungs
Stages 3 and 4: Late-Stage Mesothelioma
Late-stage mesothelioma (three and four) indicates that cancer has progressed further and caused more damage to the patient’s body. The last two stages have different, more aggressive symptoms, including:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Severe and chronic pain
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Respiratory problems
- Bowel obstruction
Call Us at The Halpern Law Firm Today for a Free Consultation
If you may have had asbestos exposure and are suffering from chest pain, difficulty breathing, a persistent dry cough, unexplained weight loss, and chronic fatigue, please seek medical attention immediately. The best prognosis for mesothelioma occurs with early detection and treatment.
Most asbestos exposures occurred as the result of occupational exposure in factories, plants, and other workplaces. Many Americans with mesothelioma are eligible to seek monetary compensation.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer, speak with an experienced lawyer who can evaluate your case. For over 30 years, attorney David Halpern has been representing Pennsylvania mesothelioma victims and their families. Dave and his team have fought to ensure the companies at fault are held responsible for their actions, resulting in many millions of dollars recovered for asbestos cancer victims.
Don’t wait – call us at The Halpern Law Firm at 1 (833) 505-6000 to request a free consultation with our legal team.
