Mesothelioma – Symptoms and Early Signs
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the mesothelium – the thin lining covering certain organs. Mesothelioma is usually linked to asbestos exposure.
It is important to note that not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos dust will develop mesothelioma. However, approximately 2,500 people in the UK are newly diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. This number has been consistent for many years. If you have been exposed to asbestos dust, you should be aware of the early signs of asbestos exposure.
Are there different types of mesothelioma?
There are four types of mesothelioma:
- Pleural mesothelioma – affects the lining of the lungs;
- Peritoneal mesothelioma – affects the lining of the abdomen;
- Pericardial mesothelioma – affects the lining of the heart;
- Testicular mesothelioma – affects the lining of the testes.
What are the signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
Each type of mesothelioma can present with different symptoms depending on the area of the body it has developed in:
Pleural mesothelioma
Affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Early symptoms can include:
- Breathing difficulties
- A cough that will not go away
- Loss of appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Night sweats
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Pain the chest, ribs or back areas.
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Affects the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms can include any of the symptoms for pleural mesothelioma and/or:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Sickness
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Change in bowel habits
Pericardial mesothelioma
Develops in the pericardium, which is the protective sac that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma is rarer than pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms can typically be any of the pleural mesothelioma symptoms and/or:
- Palpitations
- Difficulty swallowing
Testicular mesothelioma
Develops in the tunica vaginalis, which is the lining that covers the testes. This is rarest type of mesothelioma and accounts for less than 1% of mesotheliomas. Symptoms typically include:
- Scrotum swelling
- Development of a hydrocele (a build-up of fluid around the testicle)
- Hernia type symptoms
- Pain and discomfort in the groin area
How long after being exposed to asbestos dust do symptoms appear?
Symptoms of mesothelioma often take decades to become apparent after the exposure to asbestos dust happened. This period of time can be anywhere between 10 years to 60+ years after the exposure, with no upper limit on time.
How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
Mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose as the typical symptoms can also cause numerous other illnesses and diseases. As such, if you have the signs and symptoms of asbestos exposure it is important to advise medical professionals investigating your symptoms that you have come into contact with asbestos dust in the past, so they can then specifically look for mesothelioma as a diagnosis. Early diagnosis will usually lead to more treatment options.
Diagnosis of mesothelioma will typically include:
- X-rays
- CT scans
- PET scans
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
- Biopsies
Biopsies are the most reliable form of diagnosis as they can detect cancer cells and specifically mesothelioma related cells.
What are the treatment options for mesothelioma?
Even though there is no cure for mesothelioma, there are treatment options aimed at managing symptoms and extending life expectancy. As such, it is important to seek medical advice without delay if you have been exposed to asbestos dust and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, so treatment can be discussed as soon as possible after a diagnosis.
Treatment options include:
- Immunotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Palliative care
In addition, there are often medical trials in place across the UK for which a mesothelioma sufferer may be eligible to participate in.
There may be other treatment options available for some people on a privately funded basis.
The treating oncologist will advise on all the available options for each individual patient, based upon their performance status.
What is meant by “performance status”?
Treatment options vary from person to person depending on the symptoms they are experiencing and their “performance status”. Performance status is a medical assessment of how fit/healthy someone is and how they will cope with different treatment options.
Further Information
The NHS provides further information about mesothelioma and sets out links to other pages of interest:
Need help?
At Hodge Jones & Allen, we have specialist Solicitors who each have decades of experience behind them in pursuing mesothelioma compensation claims. Our experts will ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to, as well as DWP benefit payments and they are able to link you up with your local asbestos support group. In some mesothelioma settlement packages, it is possible to include the potential future costs of medical treatment not available on the NHS, which in turn can open up treatment options.
To speak to one of our legal experts, call 0330 822 3451 or request a callback at a convenient time.