Mesothelioma is sometimes misdiagnosed as Gallstones

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Gallstones, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is cancer of this cell type that is commonly found on the inside of your organs. There are two types of areas this occurs in the pleural (lungs) and peritoneal (genital area). Pleural mesothelioma accounts for 90% of all cases and the cancer starts in the lining of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, pain in the shoulder and upper arm, sensitive skin, loss of appetite and or weight loss, loss of energy, persistent cough and excessive sweating. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to the chemical asbestos. Mesothelioma can be misdiagnosed as influenza, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and adenocarcinoma.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

Chest pain, swollen or painful abdomen, pain in the shoulder and upper arm, persistent cough, a change in usual cough, sensitive skin, loss of appetite, weight loss, loss of energy, excessive sweating especially at night, nausea, vomiting, fever, bowel or urinary problems, shortness of breath

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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