Mesothelioma is cancer of the tissue that lines the human lungs, stomach, heart and other organs. This is a rare type of cancer that starts in the stomach or in the lungs. This cancer may caused by exposure over a period of time to asbestos fibers, but it also may be caused by other, as-yet undetermined materials that create mutations in the cells. The Mayo Clinic reports that this cancer is divided into four categories: mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, pericardial mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pleural malignant mesothelioma, the last of which is the most common form.
Breathing Problems
Symptoms of this cancer may include difficulties with breathing, particularly shortness of breath. This can, in turn, cause anxiety and panic in the person because he cannot get enough air into his body. Mesothelioma also may cause a condition called pleurisy to occur as a symptom. Pleurisy is the medical term for pain that occurs during breathing. Mesothelioma also may induce dry coughs or coughing that is painful. Coughs are the body's attempts to expel foreign material. They may occur with mesothelioma, but no matter how much the person coughs, the foreign material cannot be ejected. Breathing difficulties may occur with the pleural and pericardial forms of mesothelioma, the Mayo Clinic reports.
Chest and Abdominal Pain
Mesothelioma also may manifest itself with symptoms of pain in the chest that occurs specifically beneath the rib cage. This is caused by the tumors of mesothelioma cancer affecting the lining of the organs in the chest. This is a symptom of pleural and pericardial mesothelioma. Pain in the abdominal region, along with swelling, may be symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma,
Lumps
Symptoms of this cancer also may include tissue lumps that appear beneath the skin, primarily in the area of the chest. These abnormal growths associated with pleural mesothelioma may be caused by the tumors as they spread throughout this area of the body. Similar types of lumps may appear in the abdominal area with peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis also may produce a mass or lump on a man's testicle.
Weight Loss
Losing weight unintentionally and without explanation may be symptoms of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma. While this also may be a symptom of other conditions, or a side effect of medications, any significant form of weight loss that is unexplained warrants medical attention.
