Mesothelioma usually remains undetected for three to four decades due to a long latency period between the actual exposure to a carcinogen (cancer causing substance) such as asbestos and the onset of mesothelioma symptoms. A quarter of all mesothelioma patients show symptoms of the disease for six months or more prior to acquiring medical aid. For this reason it is very important one be familiar with the symptoms associated with mesothelioma and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The most common mesothelioma symptoms are: chest pains, which are normally felt in the back, side, and lower chest area and can be described as either a feeling of leadenness or a constant stabbing pain; and dyspnea, which is difficult, painful breathing, or a shortness of breath caused by an abnormal collection of fluid in the pleura (area between the chest and lungs) called pleural effusion. Pleural effusion is prevalent in all cases of pleural mesothelioma. Other symptoms of this can be coughing, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and even in some rare cases coughing up blood. In peritoneal mesothelioma patients experience abdominal swelling and sometimes abdominal pain.
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