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Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms often develop decades after exposure to asbestos in the workplace, the home, the office, school, or another contaminated environment. Most commonly, mesothelioma symptoms develop 20 to 50 years after inhaling or ingesting airborne asbestos fibers.

Because mesothelioma symptoms develop so long after exposure, it is important to tell your doctor of any potential past exposure to asbestos on the job or in the home. Shipyards, construction sites, renovation areas, demolition sites, automotive shops, factories, and other locations are all potential sites for asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms depend on what mesothelial tissues are affected by the cancer. The mesothelium lines all the internal organs of the body, but mesothelioma often affects the lining of the heart (the pericardium), the chest and lungs (the pleural lining), or the abdominal organs (the peritoneum).

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can include:

• Trouble breathing, even when at rest
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Irregular heart beat
• Fever
• Excessive sweating at night

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma affecting the lungs and chest cavity are similar and can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Hoarseness
• Coughing (which might produce bloody phlegm)
• Anemia
• Fatigue

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma differ somewhat from the other types of mesothelioma and can include:

• Pain in the abdomen
• A palpable mass in the stomach area
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bowel difficulties
• Fever
• Anemia

In more severe or advanced cases of mesothelioma, symptoms can also include:

• Deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots
• Jaundice
• Pain and/or swelling of the face and neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Fluid build up in the affected area (called effusion)
• Low blood sugar
• Bleeding disorders

Because early mesothelioma symptoms are often similar to those caused by other diseases, it is important to see your healthcare provider right away if you develop possible mesothelioma symptoms. Your doctor will perform a complete medical evaluation to rule out or diagnose mesothelioma cancer.