Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue lining in the heart, stomach, lungs, and other organs. It is one of the deadliest and aggressive cancer types, and it may go unnoticed for years, making it difficult to treat once the diagnosis is made. 

People diagnosed with mesothelioma have a 5 to 10 percent decrease within five years after it develops. Patients have a higher survival probability if a diagnosis is made early. Treatment can be applied to slow the progression, giving patients a chance at a longer life. More knowledge about the disease may facilitate early discovery. 

Mesothelioma is dangerous because it spreads quickly into more body tissues and organs. Roughly 75 percent of all mesothelioma patients developed cancer after asbestos exposure. Individuals that have worked with asbestos in the past should consider checking for potential symptoms. Symptoms can be difficult to detect, especially in the early stages. 

Signs and symptoms 

Mesothelioma occurs in two forms with varying symptoms. The first type is pleural mesothelioma which commonly affects the tissue surrounding the lungs. It has the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Drastic weight loss
• Chest pains
• Lumps beneath the skin on your chest.

The other form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, and it usually affects abdomen tissue. Some of the symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Abdominal swelling
• Abdominal pain

There are other types of mesothelioma that are less common and whose symptoms might be different. However, very little is known about them, including the symptoms. The disease may also manifest symptoms that are similar to those of other illnesses. This is why it is important to visit a doctor when you notice changes in your health.

Diagnosis 

Mesothelioma diagnosis is conducted by doctors using various diagnostic tools and techniques. Some of the tests eliminate other illnesses to narrow down the possibilities. Some of the tests also help to pinpoint cancer and determine the extent to which it has spread. Cancer’s heavy link to asbestos exposure also makes it easier to narrow down the condition. Doctors will likely require you to explore the potential history of exposure to asbestos in the past as part of the diagnosis process.