Pleural Mesothelioma: Warning Signs

If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, whether directly or from a spouse whom was, then you will want to read this article. There are two main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma that you need to look out for: difficulty breathing and chest pain. I will explain each in this article so that you have a better awareness of when you need to put the pride away and go see a doctor.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the lungs and abdomen. Estimates show it affects over 2000 people every year in the states alone. This disease is the direct result of asbestos exposure. However, nearly a quarter of all diagnosed had no exposure to asbestos. So even if you never had exposure and you find yourself with the following pleural mesothelioma symptoms you need to see a doctor.

Pleural mesothelioma is cancer that is found in the pleura of the lungs. The pleura is the lining or membrane that surrounds the lung tissue. This lining has two layers: visceral and parietal. The visceral is the inner layer while the parietal is the outer. In between them is lubricating fluid to help the two layers slide over each other as our lungs contract and expand for our breathing. When one begins the early stages of pleural mesothelioma the cancer can cause the layers to become thicker. This can result in the pleural mesothelioma symptoms; difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Obviously difficulty breathing is a common symptom for many ailments. So don't conclude that you have mesothelioma. You need to visit a doctor as soon as you can.

In pleural mesothelioma you begin to have shortness of breath and difficulty breathing because of the two layers of the lining pushing against each other. The layers create more tension because they become thicker as mesothelioma develops. This can also cause discomfort from swallowing and regular coughing. It can also cause hoarseness of the throat and coughing up of blood.

Another symptom is pain in the chest. Naturally as the layers become thicker due to the growth of cancer cells and push against your lungs causing shortness of breath they can also cause chest pain because of the added pressure. The pain typically begins on the side and spreads up to your shoulders and neck.

If you experience either of these symptoms you should consult a doctor right away. As pleural mesothelioma spreads the symptoms will become worse. Visit a doctor and make it a point to notify him or her if you have had any exposure to asbestos and your history of it. There is evidence that a person can get this cancer indirectly from exposure to someone that had direct exposure with asbestos. So if your spouse worked in a high asbestos exposure occupation make sure you tell your doctor.