Symptoms Of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is one of the few cancers that don't exhibit symptoms until the cancer reaches the late stage of development and it is at this point that many cases become incurable. Mesothelioma symptoms tend to develop gradually, and earlier symptoms are often confused for illnesses that are more amenable to treatment. For example, the cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain experienced in pleural mesothelioma is often seen in lung infections such as pneumonia. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Typically, once symptoms are more pronounced the cancer is fairly advanced and treatment becomes less effective.

The symptoms that are associated with mesothelioma depend on which of the body's organs are affected.


Pleural mesothelioma. This type of cancer affects the lungs and causes a number of symptoms including:

1. Persistent cough that doesn't improve with medication
2. Breathing difficulties
3. Shortness of breath
4. Fever
5. Difficulty swallowing
6. Chest pain
7. Weight loss

Pericardial mesothelioma. This second type of mesothelioma affects the heart tissue and includes the following symptoms:

1. Breathing difficulties
2. Chesty cough
3. Palpitations

Peritoneal mesothelioma. The third type of mesothelioma affects the stomach and causes the following symptoms:

1. Nausea and vomiting
2. Abdominal pain
3. Weight loss
4. Bloating of the stomach
5. Bowel obstruction
6. Fever

Of course, these same symptoms can also be caused by other minor ailments. But if you have worked with asbestos and you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

If there is reason to suspect you might have mesothelioma, the doctor will ask you questions about your health and do a complete physical exam. The exam can help tell if you have fluid in the chest, abdomen, or heart. This fluid can be a sign of mesothelioma and you should take extra care before it reaches its advance stage.