Mesothelioma has earned a reputation as a cancer that is very difficult to treat effectively. This reputation is partly due to the fact that in early stages, mesothelioma symptoms are quite non-specific, making early diagnosis very difficult. In addition, the disease usually lays dormant for 15 to 50 years and symptoms do not appear until the cancer has reached its late stages.
The initial symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to symptoms of other diseases that are much less serious. For example, early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (which develops in the pleural lining of the lungs) often resemble symptoms of influenza or pneumonia. Similarly, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma (which develops in the pericardial lining of the heart) are similar to symptoms of other cardiac conditions.
If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of the following symptoms, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Also, in the interest of early detection, those who were exposed but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest x-rays or pulmonary function tests to monitor any adverse affects of asbestos inhalation.
Since the symptoms of mesothelioma are often generic, many people are unaware of the severity of their condition. When a doctor informs a patient that they have mesothelioma, patients and their loved ones are often very confused since the cancer is relatively unknown.
