Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. “Mesothelioma” is the term used to describe a cancerous tumor which involves the mesothelial cells of an organ, usually the lungs or abdominal organs.
Pleural Mesothelioma
This is the most common type of mesothelioma. The pleura is a thin membrane found between the lungs and the chest cavity. It provides a lubricated surface so that the lungs do not chafe against the chest walls. Thus, a pleural mesothelioma is often referred to as a “lung” cancer.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma
- Cough
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fever
- Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back
- Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)
- Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
- Tireness
- Trouble swallowing
Peritoneal mesothelioma.
The peritoneum is the membrane that encloses the organs of the abdomen. While peritoneal mesotheliomas are less common than pleural mesotheliomas, they tend to be more invasive, and may thus result in a shorter life expectancy for the patient. Mesotheliomas have also been found in the stomach and other abdominal organs.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Bowell obstruction
- Blood clotting abnormalities
- Anemia
- Fever