What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
After someone breathes in or swallows asbestos, it can take 10-50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to appear because of how slowly the disease develops.
The symptoms can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and where it forms in the body. Initially, mesothelioma symptoms are mild and can be misdiagnosed as more common illnesses. Some patients may not have any symptoms at all.
Early symptoms of mesothelioma may include:
- Chest or stomach pain
- Fatigue
- General discomfort
- Persistent coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
If you have mesothelioma, it’s better to be diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is easier to treat. This is why it’s so important to see a specialist immediately after you start feeling sick.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Malignant pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, the thin lining that protects the lungs.
The most common pleural mesothelioma symptom is pleural effusion, which is when fluid builds up in the lung lining and makes it harder to breathe. More than 80% of patients present with this sign of mesothelioma when first visiting a doctor.
Other symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Lumps under the skin
- Pain under the rib cage
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Weight loss
- Worsening cough
“You could have severe fatigue, chest pain, and things like that that are all signs of mesothelioma.”
If you’ve noticed something is off and you don’t feel like yourself, make sure to keep track of what’s happening. Download our Free Symptoms Checklist to discuss at your next doctor’s visit.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. The most common symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma is fluid buildup, a condition known as ascites. This fluid can cause swelling or bulging along with stomach pain.
Other common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid weight loss
“I was having stomach pains for about a year, some pretty severe pain. It was written off as more like a menstrual or women’s issue, as it is with a lot of women diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. It was about a year before I finally got the scans I needed.”
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the protective sac that surrounds the heart, called the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up only about 1% of all cases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heartbeats and murmurs (arrhythmias)
- Palpitations
- Tightness in the chest
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can overlap with other heart conditions, so getting a diagnosis may be more challenging. You should see a mesothelioma specialist if you or your loved one is having any of these symptoms.
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of this cancer, with only a few hundred documented cases worldwide. It affects the tunica vaginalis, the thin membrane lining that surrounds the testes.
Symptoms of testicular mesothelioma include:
- Discomfort or pain around the scrotum
- Excess fluid and swelling in one or both testicles (hydrocele)
- Masses on the testicles or in the testicular lining
This type of cancer may spread and cause stomach pain by the time it reaches the advanced stages. Because testicular mesothelioma is so rare, it’s usually discovered by accident during surgery or imaging scans.
When Should I See a Doctor for a Diagnosis?
You should visit a mesothelioma specialist if your symptoms don’t go away or start getting worse. They can perform a physical exam and order imaging scans to look for tumors or other abnormalities. A specialist will order a biopsy to check for cancer cells if they think you may have mesothelioma based on your symptoms and scan results.
“If you feel like you’re not getting better and this is something new for you, encourage your doctor to proceed with more testing.”
Getting an accurate diagnosis can help you access the best treatments to ease your symptoms and keep the cancer from spreading to other areas of the body.
Download our Free Symptoms Checklist to discuss with your doctor so they have better insight into what you’re experiencing.
Treatments to Manage Mesothelioma Symptoms
There are many treatments that can help you feel better and keep your mesothelioma symptoms under control. Your care team will work with you to choose options based on your diagnosis, overall health, and personal preferences.
Treatments that can manage mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Chemotherapy – Certain chemo drugs can shrink tumors and slow their growth, which may ease pain and discomfort.
- Draining fluid buildup – Doctors can perform a thoracentesis or paracentesis to drain the fluid that collects around your lungs or abdomen, helping you breathe and move more comfortably.
- Palliative care – Patients can receive palliative care at any stage of their cancer journey to help manage symptoms. This may include pain management, emotional support, nutritional counseling, and physical therapy.
- Radiation therapy – Targeted radiation can reduce tumor size and help with pain in specific areas.
- Surgery – Doctors may perform surgery to remove part of a tumor, which can ease pressure on nearby organs. Even if surgery cannot remove all of the cancer, it can still make a big difference in how you feel day to day.
By combining these treatments, your doctors can create a personalized plan that targets your specific mesothelioma symptoms and supports your overall well-being. Managing mesothelioma is not only about slowing the disease but also about helping you stay as comfortable, active, and independent as possible.
Get Medical Treatment for Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma develops slowly and can be hard to spot in its early stages. That’s why it’s critical to find a doctor who has experience diagnosing and treating this rare cancer. Mesothelioma Hope can help you make appointments with trusted specialists in your area who can guide you toward an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
We’ll also help you:
- Understand and manage your symptoms
- Find the right questions to ask at your first appointment
- Learn about available treatments, including new options from clinical trials
- Explore financial compensation that may help cover your medical costs
Taking the first step may feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call (866) 608-8933 or fill out our contact form to speak with one of our Patient Advocates.
Sign of Mesothelioma FAQs
What are the early warning signs of mesothelioma?
Recognizing the first symptoms of mesothelioma can make a big difference in how soon you get diagnosed and start treatment.
Mesothelioma signs and symptoms by cancer type include:
- Pleural mesothelioma (lung): Chest pain, shortness of breath, fluid around the lungs, and unexplained weight loss.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma (abdominal lining): Stomach pain or swelling, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and weight loss.
- Pericardial mesothelioma (heart lining): Chest discomfort, irregular heartbeat, and trouble breathing.
- Testicular mesothelioma (lining of testes): A typically painless lump or swelling in the scrotum.
If you notice something is off, don’t wait to talk to a doctor. While these signs don’t always mean cancer, it’s a good idea to get checked for mesothelioma just in case. An early diagnosis gives you more options and a better chance of managing the disease.
What is the most common presenting symptom of malignant mesothelioma?
Pleural effusion. This sign of mesothelioma occurs in 80% of patients. This happens when fluid builds up in the space between the lung and the inner lining of the chest wall (called the pleura).
It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the chest. In some cases, the fluid may need to be drained to relieve discomfort and help improve breathing.
While pleural effusion is the top mesothelioma symptom, many patients also experience unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
What are 5 signs and symptoms of mesothelioma?
Five common mesothelioma signs and symptoms include:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fatigue
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained weight loss
What are the symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma?
Abdominal mesothelioma, also called peritoneal mesothelioma, causes stomach problems that tend to develop gradually over time. Ascites (fluid buildup) is considered a common sign of mesothelioma in the abdomen.
Other frequent symptoms include:
- Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite or feeling full quickly
- Nausea or vomiting
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
The symptoms often start out mild and can be misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, or food intolerances.
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