4. Swelling in the Abdomen: A Disturbing Sign of Mesothelioma
Ever feel like you’ve eaten a bit too much and your abdomen is distended? Normally, that would be a short-lived problem, but when you’ve got chronic abdominal swelling, things get real. In the case of mesothelioma, particularly the peritoneal variant, this symptom is a key sign. The abdomen becomes swollen due to fluid accumulation, known as ascites.
You might say, “Well, maybe it’s just bloating or gas.” But hold that thought. This isn’t your everyday food coma. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. As the tumor grows, it creates pressure, forcing your body to produce excess fluid in the area. Before you know it, you’re dealing with a potbelly that won’t budge.
When we look at the cause, asbestos rears its ugly head again. Exposure to this hazardous material triggers cellular changes in the peritoneum. In layman’s terms? Those microscopic asbestos fibers mess with your cells, inciting them to go haywire and become cancerous. And what does your body do? It responds with fluid—lots of it. (4)
