Define the three most common forms of mesothelioma and describe the symptoms of each.
• Pleural Mesothelioma: This type affects the lining of the lungs and is the most common form of the disease. Symptoms include shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, coughing, fever, weight loss and pain.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: This cancer may also affect the abdomen and symptoms include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction and fever.
• Pericardial Mesothelioma: This form of the disease affects the heart and the tissues surrounding it. Although this is the most rare variation of mesothelioma, the symptoms may include heart palpitations, chest pain, breathing difficulties and persistent coughing.
The symptoms of mesothelioma are very common to a number of many other diseases. For this reason, it is not unusual for the patient to be initially misdiagnosed. People who have worked with asbestos should inform their physician if they experience any symptoms because it is most important that a speedy diagnosis be made in order for treatment to be most effective.