Mesothelioma is a term used to describe cancer of the mesothelium. This is a protective lining covering many of the bodies internal organs like, the heart, lungs, chest cavity, and stomach. Mesothelioma is rare but is an aggressive cancer that results from exposure to asbestos. This kind of cancer affects more men than women due to occupational exposure. Most individuals who contract mesothelioma have worked in positions where they inhaled asbestos particles and the symptoms take a long time to appear up to 30 years or more.

There are no specific mesothelioma symptoms in the beginning stages of the disease, and when they are likely to be ignored or treated lightly. This is because they resemble other diseases like pneumonia, a cold or the flu.

Some common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the lower back or shoulder
• Swelling of abdomen, chest, neck or face
• Chest pain
• Loss of energy, anemia or a persistent fatigue
• Persistent cough, fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing
• General muscle weakness
• Pain in the stomach

Symptoms of mesothelioma will vary depending upon the location, type and stage of the cancer.

These similarities may tend to delay the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Often these patients have these mesothelioma symptoms for more than 2 or 3 months before they are officially diagnosed. It is important to see a doctor about any of these early symptoms as only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer. The doctor will have to take a biopsy and have it analyzed to be absolutely sure that Mesothelioma is present.

Generally, there are two types of Mesothelioma cancer, and they are Pleural (chest) and peritoneal (abdominal). Patients suffering from pleural mesothelioma usually experience breathing problems, pain in the chest or pain in their backs. The presence of pleural effusions, which is where the fluid builds up, makes it difficult for a person to breath.

In the abdominal cavity, fluid can build up due to a presence of a possible tumor, which causes stomach-swelling, pain, and weight loss. Other peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include nausea, vomiting and an extended abdomen. Later on in the stages of peritoneal mesothelioma, patients may develop bowel obstruction or problems in breathing due to the expansion of a tumor or fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure is strongly recommended to get medical help and treatment without delay. Don't let any of the above symptoms be left untreated; thinking it might just be a cold or flu. Call your doctor and get examined, as only your doctor can make the correct diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer.