Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive disease that affects the chest, causes breathing issues, and is life-threatening. It’s almost always caused by asbestos exposure, and it develops in the linings of the lungs, but not the lung tissue itself.
And because it’s slow to show symptoms, mesothelioma is often diagnosed as a respiratory infection or even lung cancer. That’s why recognizing early warning signs is crucial. Catching it sooner can make a major difference in treatment options and life expectancy.
Let’s go through the symptoms of mesothelioma you should never ignore.
Persistent Shortness of Breath
One of the first symptoms people notice is difficulty breathing that doesn’t improve with rest or medication. Mesothelioma can cause fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs, making it harder for your lungs to expand properly.
This breathlessness might start subtly and go unnoticed in the beginning, but it tends to worsen over time. Maybe you get winded walking up stairs or when doing light chores. Unlike asthma or a temporary infection, it doesn’t go away.
Constant Chest Pain
A dull, aching pain in the chest or rib area is another major warning sign of mesothelioma. The pain might feel sharp when you take deep breaths, laugh, or cough. This happens because the tumors press on nerves in the chest wall or diaphragm.
While lung cancer can also cause chest pain, the difference between mesothelioma vs lung cancer is that the pain often feels more localized with the former. It’s usually on one side of the chest where fluid or tumors are forming.
read more : The Complete Guide to Applying for Cash Advance Loans Online
Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’re losing weight without trying or constantly feeling drained, it’s a red flag. Mesothelioma cells use a lot of the body’s energy to grow and spread, which can lead to unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue that sleep or rest doesn’t fix.
Many patients describe feeling exhausted or out of energy after diagnosis, often dismissing it as aging or work stress. If you feel fatigued with other respiratory symptoms, don’t brush it off. In fact, losing weight without any dietary or lifestyle changes should always be taken seriously.
Chronic Cough or Wheezing
A cough that lingers for weeks or months, especially one that sounds dry or raspy, could be more than just a seasonal cold. As mesothelioma develops, it can irritate lung tissue and trigger chronic coughing.
Unlike a smoker’s cough or bronchitis, mesothelioma-related coughs often come with chest tightness, pain, or even small traces of blood in the mucus. If over-the-counter medicine doesn’t help, it’s time for a doctor visit and maybe even legal help from firms like ELSM Law.
Difficulty Swallowing
As the disease progresses, mesothelioma can put pressure on the esophagus, leading to trouble swallowing or the feeling that food gets stuck in your throat. Some people may even experience hoarseness or changes in their voice.
It’s one of those symptoms that’s easy to overlook or attribute to acid reflux, but when combined with chest symptoms, it could signal something more serious. The chances of misdiagnosis may still be there, but the presence of other symptoms usually rules it out.
