Seven Warning Signs of Cancer Applicable to Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, can affect the lining of the lungs known as pleural mesothelioma, or the lining of the abdomen resulting in peritoneal mesothelioma. In rare instances, the lining of the heart can be affected resulting in pericardial mesothelioma. Regardless of the type of mesothelioma, many of the symptoms are still the same.

The primary symptoms for mesothelioma sufferers is shortness of breath and chest or abdominal pain. In addition, mesothelioma patients often suffer from many of the same symptoms identified by the American Cancer Society as “The Seven Warning Signs of Cancer.”

Think of the word CAUTION to remember the seven early warning signs:

C

hange in bowel or bladder habits.A

sore that does not heal.U

nusual bleeding or discharge.T

hickening or lump in the breast, testicles, or elsewhere.I

ndigestion or difficulty swallowing.O

bvious change in the appearance of a wart, mole, or mouth sore.N

agging cough or hoarseness.
The following additional symptoms are commonly noted among mesothelioma and other cancer patients.

• Persistent headaches
• Unexplained loss of weight or appetite
• Chronic pain in bones or other areas of the body
• Persistent fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
• Persistent low-grade fever, either constant or intermittent
• Repeated instances of infection

If you experience any of these warning signs, you should see your doctor right away. Many of the warning signs can point to less serious medical problems, but the only way to know for sure is to discuss them with your doctor. If you have been exposed to asbestos, be sure to alert the doctor to that as well.