Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the lining around the lungs (called the “pleura”). This is the most common type of mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the lining around the stomach.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the lining around the heart. This type of mesothelioma is very uncommon.
Testicular Mesothelioma
The cancer starts in the tunica vaginalis - the serous membrane that surrounds the testis.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is a cancer found in the lining surrounding the lungs, the stomach, the heart or the testicles. The primary cause of Mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Most mesothelioma symptoms take decades to appear after exposure to asbestos occurred. The symptoms of mesothelioma are also found in many other other more common diseases, making mesothelioma hard to diagnose.
Mesothelioma symptoms vary with each stage and location (chest, abdomen, heart) of the disease. Mesothelioma is unique in that it has a long latency period, which is the amount of time between the initial exposure to asbestos and the appearance of noticeable symptoms. The latency period for most symptoms caused by mesothelioma ranges from 10 to 60 years.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough
- Chest pains
- Difficulty swallowing
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Buildup of gas
- Seizures (less common)
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pains
- Fatigue
- Fever
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
- Appearance of a lump in the scrotum
- Swelling at the back of the testicles
- Scrotal discomfort
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