Symptoms & Early Signs of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Cancer is one of the diseases that has no cure until now. Though modern medicine and chemotherapy technologies are saving some people from certain types of cancers, the process consists of many side effects and is often expensive. 

Today we will discuss one such cancer – Mesothelioma asbestos lung cancer and how you can identify with the help of early signs and symptoms. 

Symptoms & Early Signs of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

• What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is cancer, related to the lungs when the soft tissue (Mesothelium) is affected when one gets exposed to Asbestos. It is one of the deadly cancers that has no cure. It not only affects the lungs but also tissues of other internal organs. 

Asbestos exists in materials made for insulation, tiling, roofing materials, and brake linings. As asbestos is a strong heat-resistant material, it’s used for many purposes. It is also used in industries related to construction, milling, demolition, mining, factory workers, firefighters, and insulators.

Asbestos consists of tiny fibres, and when they are swallowed or inhaled continuously, it affects the working of the lungs, leading to cancer. It also causes laryngeal cancer and even ovarian cancer in women.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

Symptoms you can observe according to stages. People affected with this cancer take a long time to show symptoms. Sometimes the period may take as long as decades. As this cancer primarily affects the lungs, you can observe symptoms like:

In the Early Stages of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Accretion of fluid over the lungs (pleural effusion)

• Difficulty in breathing

In the Late Stages of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

• Increased pain

• Continuous pain for a long time

• Anemia and fatigue caused by it

• Losing weight

• Decreased appetite

• Complications in breathing (respiratory problems)

• Feeling difficulty to swallow

• Bowel obstruction

Chest pains and difficulty in breathing in the late stages of cancer development due to the increase in tumour size spreading from the chest wall to its nerves (happens in the last stages stage 3 or 4).

Whenever you see these symptoms continuing for a considerable amount of time, then don’t ignore consulting a doctor and start taking treatment immediately. Acting as soon as possible increases the life expectancy, and a patient can expect a longer and quality life. 

Early Signs of Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung Cancer

In the early stage of cancer, tiny nodules form along the lining of the lung and abdomen. And nearly after 20 to 50 years, these tiny forms grow in size and press against nerves, organs, bones, and other parts of the body, causing pain, harsh breathing, and other symptoms.

Even though early signs are developed during the start of cancer, it’s not always easy to detect them. And as you will have minimal symptoms, chances are that you might think they are related to some other common disease.

Also, if you think you have all these symptoms, then it’s essential to find a doctor who specializes in treating Mesothelioma. Because not all doctors are skilled enough to detect and suggest the right treatment. However, in some cases, doctors can identify the fluid in your lungs and suggest you go for a biopsy which either confirms or denies cancer.

How to Tackle and Cope with the Symptoms?

While this cancer is not completely curable, you can make it bearable by following a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, it could prolong your life expectancy, and there will be chances for a cure too.

• Diet and Nutrition: 

Eating healthy and high nutrients will help develop your immune system. While it may not cure cancer, it definitely helps in keeping your body in optimal condition. It helps your body work hard to fight cancer. Also, eating healthy helps you to meet the side affects you get while the treatment is going on.

• Finding the Right Specialist: 

As stated earlier, doctors treating this cancer are few as this is one of the rare cancers. So, you have to research in finding the right and skilled one for treating you. It could prolong your survival.

• Alternative Methods:

To treat symptoms like pain, anxiety, nausea, etc., you can try alternative methods like acupuncture, mind-body therapies. They are proven to give you relief from the painful symptoms.

• Know That You’re Not Alone: 

Cancer may feel you isolated from your family and society. However, it’s crucial to know that you’re not in this alone. Communicate with your doctor and find support groups that help cope with your emotions. Let your family help you and take support from them. Having an emotional boost from your loved ones may propel your body to react to the medications faster.

Final thoughts:

Cancers are not to be taken lightly. With early detection and treatment, you’ll have high chances of survival and you could return to your normal life sooner. Hope this blog has shed enough light on a particular type of cancer called mesothelioma.