The Warning Signs of Pleural Mesothelioma

If you have ever been exposed to asbestos, whether directly or from a
spouse whom was, then you will want to read this article. There are
two main symptoms of pleural mesothelioma that you need to look out
for: difficulty breathing and chest pain. I will explain each in this
article so that you have a better awareness of when you need to put
the pride away and go see a doctor.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in the lungs and abdomen.
Estimates show it affects over 2000 people every year in the states
alone. This disease is the direct result of asbestos exposure.
However, nearly a quarter of all diagnosed had no exposure to
asbestos. So even if you never had exposure and you find yourself with
the following pleural mesothelioma symptoms you need to see a doctor.

Pleural mesothelioma is cancer that is found in the pleura of the
lungs. The pleura is the lining or membrane that surrounds the lung
tissue. This lining has two layers: visceral and parietal. The
visceral is the inner layer while the parietal is the outer. In
between them is lubricating fluid to help the two layers slide over
each other as our lungs contract and expand for our breathing. When
one begins the early stages of pleural mesothelioma the cancer can
cause the layers to become thicker. This can result in the pleural
mesothelioma symptoms; difficulty breathing and chest pain.

Obviously difficulty breathing is a common symptom for many ailments.
So don't conclude that you have mesothelioma. You need to visit a
doctor as soon as you can.

In pleural mesothelioma you begin to have shortness of breath and
difficulty breathing because of the two layers of the lining pushing
against each other. The layers create more tension because they become
thicker as mesothelioma develops. This can also cause discomfort from
swallowing and regular coughing. It can also cause hoarseness of the
throat and coughing up of blood.

Another symptom is pain in the chest. Naturally as the layers become
thicker due to the growth of cancer cells and push against your lungs
causing shortness of breath they can also cause chest pain because of
the added pressure. The pain typically begins on the side and spreads
up to your shoulders and neck.

If you experience either of these symptoms you should consult a doctor
right away. As pleural mesothelioma spreads the symptoms will become
worse. Visit a doctor and make it a point to notify him or her if you
have had any exposure to asbestos and your history of it. There is
evidence that a person can get this cancer indirectly from exposure to
someone that had direct exposure with asbestos. So if your spouse
worked in a high asbestos exposure occupation make sure you tell your
doctor.