Mesothelioma symptoms
When describing the symptoms of any cancerous tumor, they are usually divided into three subdivisions. First, there are the symptoms caused by the tumor at the site where it originally appeared. Second are the manifestations caused by the spread of the tumor to sites other than the original. This ability to spread is called metastasis. Finally, there are symptoms that are caused by the tumor but affect the whole body. This may be because the cancer synthesizes substances that run in the blood stream and spread throughout the circulation.
The symptoms caused by the mesothelium at its original site depend on what that site is. It is to be expected that the presence of a mesothelioma in one serous cavity will affect the organs encased in that particular cavity. For example, if it appears in the lining of the lungs it can cause difficult breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and fluid build-up around the lungs, known medically as pleural effusion. On the other hand, a mesothelioma that arises in the lining of the abdomen (Peritoneal mesothelioma) will usually cause pain or a swelling in the abdomen, and may affect the urinary bladder or intestines.
When it comes to manifestations of metastases, the tumor can spread anywhere through blood or the lymphatic system, and the list of possible symptoms is theoretically endless, which makes it difficult to diagnose metastatic disease without the use of radiological studies. In general though, metastatic disease is not very common in mesothelioma except in late, neglected cases.
Lastly, mesothelioma can cause the patient to spike a fever and appear tired and fatigued for a long time. This may be associated with weight loss and/or a loss of appetite, and excessive sweating at night.
