Mesothelioma - Symptoms and Disability

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the chest cavity (pleural mesothelioma) or abdominal cavity (peritoneal mesothelioma). Because these are the primary sites of origin for this form of cancer, most patients who are later diagnosed with mesothelioma have the following signs and symptoms:

• right- or left-sided chest pain
• shortness of breath
• weight loss, or
• abdominal pain and swelling.

In particular, patients with pleural mesothelioma will typically experience symptoms of shortness of breath and chest or back pain while patients with peritoneal mesothelioma will experience symptoms of abdominal pain or swelling. But statistically, up to 90% of mesothelioma patients will present with dyspnea (shortness of breath) and chest discomfort.

However, other early signs and symptoms of malignant mesothelioma can also include the following: nausea, difficulty swallowing, and fever. 

The symptoms encountered in mesothelioma cases present themselves for several reasons. In the case of pleural (chest) mesothelioma, a lung's membrane will thicken, interfering with its ability to expand and contract. Pleural effusions, which are fluid buildups, are also typically present. Both developments make breathing laborous and difficult for patients.

In instances of peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma, similar effects are seen; that is, a thickening of the membrane lining the gut and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.

Of course, because the early symptoms of mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, resemble the symptoms seen in a great many other conditions and disorders, this may contribute to misdiagnosising this form of cancer. Complicating matters further is the fact that mesothelioma tumors resemble other forms of tumor growth, such as pleural adenocarcinoma and malignant fibrous histiocytoma. The unfortunate result is that, even for highly trained pathologists, mesothelioma can elude detection and proper diagnosis. For this reason, it may be very prudent for anyone with a history of asbestos exposure to seek qualified medical treatment immediately after experiencing the symptoms mentioned above.

Social Security will grant disability benefits for anyone with a diagnosis of plerual mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma, or tumors of the mediastinum if they have metastasized or are recurrent or persistent.