If you’ve been exposed to asbestos at work or elsewhere, there is a potential that you could develop mesothelioma later in life. While it tends to take mesothelioma 30 to 50 years to appear, there are some symptoms that could be early signs that you need to be wary of. Recognizing the signs of mesothelioma early could help you seek treatment sooner and have a better prognosis.
There are five common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma that you need to have investigated right away if you have a history of asbestos exposure or believe you may have been exposed in the past.
1. Shortness of breath with no known cause
The first symptom that should signify the need to see a medical provider is shortness of breath. There can be many causes, so make sure to let them know your concerns about asbestos exposure.
2. Chest pain
Chest pain is a common sign of problems with the lungs. It could be a sign of pleurisy, the inflammation of the lining of the lungs and chest wall, or may be a sign of mesothelioma. Chest pain can also be a sign of other cardiac issues, making it important to get to the root cause quickly.
3. A chronic cough with hoarseness
Chronic coughs that don’t go away, as well as hoarseness, also need to be investigated. It’s possible for mesothelioma to cause a chronic cough or affect your speech, so it’s valuable to have your lungs and throat examined.
4. Unexplained weight loss
Cancer can lead to unexplained weight loss, so if you’ve lost weight recently without trying or can’t seem to put weight on, it’s worth considering that cancer could be a cause.
5. Dysphagia
Dysphagia occurs when you have trouble swallowing. The pressure on the lungs from mesothelioma can affect breathing and how you swallow your food or drinks.
Mesothelioma can sometimes be a difficult cancer to diagnose, but if you report unusual symptoms and follow up with a medical provider, you may be better able to address your condition and get a firm diagnosis of the root cause of your symptoms sooner.