Though rare, mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that damages the mesothelial lining of your organs. This disease is caused by exposure to asbestos and may come with a variety of warning signs. If you’re not sure whether to contact the Mesothelioma Justice Network, be on the lookout for these three symptoms.

Coughing and Breathing Problems

If the mesothelial lining that protects your lungs has been compromised, you may develop a persistent cough that doesn’t go away. A mesothelioma-related cough is often described as very dry and can occur in early stages of the disease. Along with this, you may have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing at all; this in particular can also occur when your heart’s lining has been damaged, so it’s important to keep an eye on your other symptoms as well.

Difficulty With Food

Depending on what lining was affected, you may experience different symptoms in regards to your appetite, digestion and ability to eat. If your stomach has been impacted, nausea, vomiting and constipation can occur along with pain or swelling in the abdomen. With mesothelioma in the lungs, you may have trouble swallowing or feel that food is stuck in your throat. In general, many people have a loss of appetite when the mesothelioma begins to progress.

Chest Pain

Pain of all types is associated with most forms of mesothelioma, but chest pain is most frequent with pericardial and pleural mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining of your heart, which may cause sharp chest pain; with pleural mesothelioma, the pain comes from damaged lungs and may also radiate into your back. Pay attention to where you feel pain and what symptoms accompany it, and keep an eye on how the pain progresses or changes.

Fever

While a fever can be a sign of many conditions, it can be a telltale sign of mesothelioma if it develops alongside other symptoms. Be aware of when the fever develops, how high your temperature rises and whether your fever fluctuates at all. If your fever could be the product of another disease, you should speak with your doctor to rule out any other conditions before starting treatment.

If you feel that you may be at risk of developing mesothelioma, don’t wait — contact your doctor right away and let them know when and where you may have been exposed to asbestos. The earlier the condition can be monitored, the better.