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Mesothelioma Symptoms
If you are wondering "do I have mesothelioma?" you should seek the guidance of your physician as early detection is a powerful asset during treatment. Malignant mesothelioma may not become apparent until 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos, but can be very aggressive once it takes hold. Because the symptoms of mesothelioma are not unique to the disease a mesothelioma diagnosis can be difficult to determine. Mesothelioma: Symptoms and Symptom Management Journal Articles- 07.23.08 - Long-term indwelling pleural catheter (PleurX) for malignant pleural effusion unsuitable for talc pleurodesis
- European Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2008 Jul 19. [Epub ahead of print] [Link]
Sioris T, Sihvo E, Salo J, Räsänen J, Knuuttila A.
Heart Center, Tampere University Hospital, P.O. Box 2000, FIN-33521 Tampere, Finland.
Abstract
Aims: Talc pleurodesis using talc slurry via chest tube is a primary option in malignant pleural effusion, since life expectancy is short [...]
- 07.22.08 - Prevalence and Pattern of Lymph Node Metastasis in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma
- The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. 2008 Aug;86(2):391-5. [Link]
Abdel Rahman AR, Gaafar RM, Baki HA, El Hosieny HM, Aboulkasem F, Farahat EG, Nouh AM, Mansour KA.
Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt. rahmannci@yahoo.com
Abstract
Background: The incidence and pattern of nodal metastases in mesothelioma are not well understood. This study was conducted to evaluate the [...]
- 07.18.08 - Involvement of zinc in taste disturbance occurring during treatment for malignant tumor in the chest and the effects of polaprezinc oral disintegrating tablets (a retrospective study)
- Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2008 Jun;35(6):955-9. [Link]
Nakata Y, Hirashima T, Kondou Y, Tokuoka Y, Imazato H, Iwata K, Oomori Y, Yamato A, Shimizu S, Nagao S, Matsui K, Abe N.
Dept. of Pharmacy, Osaka Prefectural Medical Center for Respiratory and Allergic Diseases.
Abstract
We analyzed the correlation between serum zinc levels and taste disturbance, and between patient [...]
- 07.10.08 - To replace or not to replace? - Partial coning and a sixth nerve palsy secondary due to displacement of a tunnelled intrathecal catheter for pain control
- Palliative Medicine. 2008 Jul;22(5):668-670. [Link]
Gibbins J, Steeds C, Greenslade G, Tunstall S, Patel N, Stannard C.
The Macmillan Unit, North Bristol NHS Trust, Frenchay Hospital, Frenchay Park Road, Bristol. janegibbins@hotmail.com.
Abstract
We report the displacement of a tunnelled intrathecal catheter causing significant cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, resulting in partial coning and a sixth nerve palsy. The [...]
- 06.28.08 - Mesothelioma and Asbestos-Related Pleural Diseases
- Respiration. 2008;76(1):1-15. Epub 2008 May 8. [Link]
Greillier L, Astoul P.
Service d’ncologie Thoracique, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Faculté de Médecine, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France.
Abstract
At present, the use of asbestos is not regulated at a worldwide scale. Moreover, there is a latency period between asbestos exposure and the manifestations of asbestos-related diseases. Consequently, pulmonologists are [...]
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lining of the lung, known as the pleura) may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- shortness of breath (dyspnea) - hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and/or coughing up of blood.
- pleural effusion - a build up of too much fluid between the pleura (linings of the lungs and chest); a pleural effusion may cause chest pain and difficulty breathing (dyspnea), however, many cause no symptoms and are first discovered during the physical examination or seen on a chest x-ray.
- pain in the chest - may sometimes be felt in upper abdomen, shoulder, or arm.
Patients diagnosed with diffuse pleural mesothelioma exhibited the following symptoms
(source: "Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Ontario and Quebec: a retrospective study of 332 patients." P Ruffie et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology Aug 1 1989: 1157-1168.)
| Symptom |
% exhibiting |
| Shortness of breath and/or chest pain |
90% |
| Weight loss |
29% |
| Cough, weakness, fever, loss of appetite |
3% |
| Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), Horner's syndrome |
less than 1% |
| Pleural Effusions |
84% |
| Asymptomatic |
3% |
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the abdominal lining which is known as the peritoneum) may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- weight loss - but waist may increase in size.
- pain or swelling in the abdomen - fluid retention or tumor growth.
- bowel obstruction - blockage in the small or large intestine.
- anemia - a reduction in the number of red blood cells to below normal; this forces the heart and other organs to work harder to get oxygen where it's needed.
- fever
These symptoms can accompany many other, less serious medical conditions; if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, and have been exposed to asbestos, you should see a doctor immediately. Asbestos exposure may have taken place 20, 30, even 50 years prior to symptoms appearing, but is a major risk factor; exposure is reported in between 70-80% of all mesothelioma cases.
Very often, asbestos exposure was second hand through a family member. Clothes dirtied with asbestos dust have carried fibers into homes, affecting spouses and children. Workers handling asbestos are now required to change their clothing before leaving work. If you see your physician because you are experiencing any of the mesothelioma symptoms listed above, please make sure to make them aware for any prior exposure, either first- or second-hand.
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