Knowing the Signs and
Symptoms of Mesothelioma

There are numerous forms of cancer that affect people each and every day. And while there are researchers and doctors hard at work, trying to find cures, we still have a long way to go in terms of figuring out just what causes the different kinds of cancers that have evolved.

One rare type of cancer that is making headlines is mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, a thin layer of tissue that covers the majority of your internal organs. According to the Mayo Clinic, Mesothelioma is not only a rare form of cancer; it is also one of the most deadly and aggressive forms of cancer.

Often affecting the tissue that surrounds your lungs, in some other instances, Mesothelioma may also affect the tissue in your abdomen, your heart as well as the testicles. Despite reported rates of Mesothelioma over the last several decades, it is still a rare form of cancer with approximately 2,000 new cases being diagnosed in the United States alone each year. While it can affect both sexes, statistically, Mesothelioma seems to put men at a higher risk than women.

So, what causes Mesothelioma? While there is no one, definitive “cause,” there are certain risk factors that are closely associated with this rare form of cancer. That being said, the major risk factor for Mesothelioma has been linked to working in or around asbestos. In fact, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH), Mesothelioma as the result of asbestos exposure at work was reported in approximately 75 percent of all cases. This information should not overshadow the fact that there are a smaller percentage of Mesothelioma sufferers who have no known cause (at least- not one based in asbestos exposure).

For the past several years, information pertaining to the causes and symptoms of Mesothelioma have been difficult to come by. However, as Mesothelioma and other rare forms of cancer have begun to take the focus of so many people’s attention, we now know more about this rare form of cancer than ever before. For instance, depending on where Mesothelioma occurs in the body, your symptoms may vary. For example, if you have Mesothelioma affecting the lungs, your symptoms may include: chest pain near your ribs, painful coughing, wheezing and/or shortness of breath, and unusual lumps of tissue under the skin in your chest area.

If you have Mesothelioma occurring in your abdomen, your symptoms may include: abdominal pain, swelling in the abdominal region of your body, lumps of tissue in the abdomen, and/or unexplained weight loss. Again, keep in mind that this information is not intended for self diagnosis and may vary depending on individual condition as well as other complications. Instead, you should seek out a doctor if you are experiencing any unexplained signs or symptoms out of the norm. Because Mesothelioma is such a rare form of cancer, the symptoms listed above may, in fact, be related to some other kind of condition that your body is experiencing. Your physician will be better able to guide you.