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Home / Mesothelioma / Symptoms

MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Table Of Contents Table Of Contents [ show ]
1. Overview
2. Symptoms by Stage
3. When to See a Doctor
4. Managing Symptoms
5. FAQ
6. Related Pages

10 Min Read
Fact Checked

The most common mesothelioma symptoms are fluid buildup, swelling, fatigue, pain
and weight loss for all types of the disease. Common pleural mesothelioma
symptoms include shortness of breath and chronic cough. Peritoneal patients
commonly experience loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

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disease.

Access information specific to your diagnosis.

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10 Min Read
Fact Checked

Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited
By Walter Pacheco

0:59

Exclusive Content | Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

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Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

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0:59

Exclusive Content | Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

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Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

Written by Karen Selby, RN | Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jacques Fontaine | Edited
By Walter Pacheco

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA?

The most common mesothelioma symptom is pleural effusion, occurring in 90% of
patients. Because pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of the disease,
many reported symptoms are respiratory. All mesothelioma types share common
symptoms, such as fatigue, pain and weight loss.

Respiratory difficulties are the most reported mesothelioma symptoms.

Many symptoms don’t appear until later stages, making mesothelioma diagnosis
challenging. Symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on cancer stage and tumor
location.

Discuss any history of asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma,
with your doctor. They may recommend regular mesothelioma screenings and can
arrange them for you. Statistics indicate early intervention improves life
expectancy for mesothelioma patients.

SYMPTOMS OF PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA

Pleural mesothelioma forms on the soft tissue lining the outside of the lungs.
Irritation of the pleura from asbestos fibers can cause thickening, pleural
plaques and fluid buildup in the pleural space.

Early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include a dry, persistent cough and
shortness of breath.

Common pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:
* Chest pain or discomfort
* Difficulty swallowing
* Dry, persistent cough
* Hoarseness
* Lower back pain
* Muscle weakness
* Shortness of breath
* Swelling of the face and arms

Pleural thickening and plaques can make the lungs stiffer. Pleural effusion can
be painful and prevent lung expansion, making breathing more difficult. Pleural
effusion is often the first sign of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of pleural
mesothelioma typically affect the lungs but also impact the body as a whole.

“Many oncologists, primary care providers and even pulmonologists don’t realize
that a pleural effusion or shortness of breath and pain could be mesothelioma
because it is so rare,” Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Kaiser
Permanente, told The Mesothelioma Center. “If they know what to look for, they
can refer patients to mesothelioma specialists.”

MOST COMMON PLEURAL SYMPTOMS REPORTED IN OUR SURVEY

The Mesothelioma Center, which works with more than 50% of all mesothelioma
patients diagnosed each year, conducted a survey of pleural mesothelioma
survivors. When asked about their most common symptoms, most respondents
reported experiencing symptoms often mistaken for other conditions, such as
chest pain and shortness of breath.

“Most commonly, patients present with cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in
walking and loss of stamina,” Dr. Marcelo DaSilva, chief of thoracic surgery and
medical director at AdventHealth Cancer Institute, told The Mesothelioma Center.

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SYMPTOMS OF PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer commonly causes abdominal and digestive symptoms,
but it can also affect breathing and cause systemic symptoms throughout the
body. Tumors in the abdomen can also cause bloating, pain, diarrhea,
constipation and bowel obstruction.

Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
* Abdominal fluid buildup (ascites)
* Abdominal pain
* Abdominal swelling
* Constipation
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea and vomiting
* Unexplained weight loss

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops on the soft tissue that lines the abdominal
cavity and organs. This can cause excess fluid accumulation in the abdominal
cavity. This condition is called ascites.

MOST COMMON PERITONEAL SYMPTOMS AMONG OUR RESPONDENTS

In The Mesothelioma Center’s exclusive survey, most peritoneal mesothelioma
respondents reported symptoms often initially confused with many other
conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and liver disease.
Abdominal pain was the most common peritoneal mesothelioma symptom among our
survey respondents with 74% of patients reporting it.

“I began to feel slight discomfort in the upper abdominal area,” peritoneal
mesothelioma survivor Kasie Coleman told The Mesothelioma Center. “My family
practitioner said I’d probably bruised a rib, but 7 months later I could hardly
stand.”

Coleman spent nearly 2 years with persistent and worsening symptoms, including
abdominal fluid and extreme pain, because of a misdiagnosis. When she underwent
hernia surgery, doctors found a mass and confirmed her peritoneal mesothelioma
diagnosis.

PERICARDIAL MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma primarily affect the heart and can also
affect breathing. Mesothelioma causes the layer of mesothelial tissue that forms
a sac around the heart (the pericardium) to thicken and become stiff. This can
cause fluid buildup around the heart or a pericardial effusion that prevents it
from pumping properly.

The symptoms are often mistaken for other more common conditions. Because
pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of cancer with only about
150 cases reported in medical literature, pericardial mesothelioma may not be
initially suspected.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
* Chest pain
* Cough
* Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
* Fatigue
* Heart murmurs
* Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
* Shortness of breath when lying down

“Patients can present with heart failure initially. It’s not unusual to diagnose
pericardial mesothelioma as an incidental finding. You’re not suspecting
pericardial mesothelioma. You’re treating pericardial effusion or heart failure
or constrictive pericarditis,” Dr. Wickii Vigneswaran, a thoracic surgeon, told
The Mesothelioma Center.

There are several common conditions that are more likely to cause these symptoms
than mesothelioma. These include: Cardiac tamponade, cardiomyopathy,
constrictive pericarditis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, tuberculosis
pericarditis and localized fibrous tumors, a type of benign mesothelioma.

TESTICULAR MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

A common symptom of testicular mesothelioma is inflammation of the testes. A
lump in the testes is the most common sign of testicular mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Testicular Mesothelioma
* Hydrocele (fluid in the scrotum)
* Lump in the scrotum
* Swollen testes
* Testicular pain

This is the rarest of all types of mesothelioma. It accounts for less than 1% of
all mesothelioma cases.

Early signs of mesothelioma may feel like a groin injury or other illnesses.
This condition can resemble epididymitis, which is inflammation of the testes
usually the result of infection.

RARE BUT SERIOUS SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA

Pleural mesothelioma patients have a higher risk of developing blood clots.
Signs of blood clots include redness, pain and swelling on one side.

You may also notice strange lumps under the skin. Pleural patients may have pain
or swelling along the sides of the chest. Peritoneal patients may see this
around the abdomen.

Serious Mesothelioma Symptoms
* Anemia
* Blood clots
* Fever
* Night sweats
* Painful swelling or lumps

Some symptoms of mesothelioma may be less noticeable but are no less dangerous.
You may have anemia with pale skin, cold extremities or dizziness. Fewer than
10% of patients experience fever or night sweats.

EARLY-STAGE AND LATE-STAGE SYMPTOMS OF MESOTHELIOMA

Symptoms may not appear in stage 1, making it rare for mesothelioma to be
diagnosed this early. It’s more common for patients to be diagnosed in later
mesothelioma stages as symptoms become more pronounced.

2:43

Exclusive Content | Kim Madril: What symptoms did you experience prior to your
diagnosis?

Mesothelioma symptoms will increase as cancer spreads or metastasizes from the
early to late stages. Tumors that develop on distant organs can cause more
damage, affecting the diaphragm, cardiac lining or liver.

EARLY-STAGE MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Early-stage mesothelioma (stages 1 & 2) most commonly causes fatigue or weakness
and pleural effusions. Pain and breathing problems typically follow.

Early-Stage Symptoms
* Chest or abdominal pain
* Coughing or wheezing
* Fatigue or weakness
* Shortness of breath

Localized tumors are typically the cause of early symptoms of mesothelioma.
Small tumors that haven’t spread far can cause pleural effusions, ascites,
shortness of breath and pain.

MOST COMMON EARLY-STAGE SYMPTOMS REPORTED IN OUR SURVEY

In conducting its exclusive study, The Mesothelioma Center gathered data from
mesothelioma survivors. Respondents shared key insights into the most common
symptoms seen with early-stage mesothelioma.

Identifying signs of mesothelioma early can help patients receive a diagnosis
sooner, giving them more treatment options and improving their prognosis.
Early-stage symptoms typically worsen as mesothelioma progresses.

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LATE-STAGE MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

The most common late-stage symptoms of mesothelioma (stages 3 & 4) involve pain
and difficulty breathing. This includes fatigue or weakness, shortness of
breath, abdominal or chest pain, weight loss and pleural effusions in most
patients.

Late-Stage Symptoms
* Anemia and associated fatigue
* Bowel obstruction
* Difficulty swallowing
* Fever or night sweats
* Loss of appetite
* Respiratory complications
* Severe or persistent pain
* Weight loss

Local and distant spread of mesothelioma to other organs, including the
diaphragm, often causes late-stage symptoms. Many of these symptoms are
systemic, affecting the whole body. This can indicate that cancer is affecting
multiple organs throughout the body.

MOST COMMON LATE-STAGE SYMPTOMS AMONG OUR RESPONDENTS

New or worsening symptoms can be a sign of mesothelioma progression. This can
include metastasis to other parts of the body.

“Chest pain can indicate that the tumor has invaded the chest wall,” DaSilva
told The Mesothelioma Center. He urges his patients not to ignore any of these
symptoms.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?

See a doctor immediately if you have chest pain, abdominal pain or other
symptoms. This is especially important if you have a history of asbestos
exposure. Early detection of mesothelioma can improve treatment outcomes.

Raising awareness about mesothelioma signs and symptoms is critical in
increasing early detection. Additionally, knowing asbestos is the primary cause
of mesothelioma is particularly important for those who worked with the toxic
mineral or asbestos products. These workers have a higher risk of mesothelioma.

If you recognize symptoms, make an appointment as soon as possible with a
mesothelioma doctor or speak with your general practitioner. Early treatment is
more effective in slowing your cancer and improving your survival.

Survivor Story
Survivor Story
Michael Cole Mesothelioma Survivor

DON’T BE AFRAID OF AGGRESSIVE MESOTHELIOMA TREATMENT

When I was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma in 2015, thoracic
surgeon and mesothelioma expert Dr. David Sugarbaker told me there were choices
about how aggressively we could go about treating it.

Read Michael’s Story

MANAGING MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

Mesothelioma symptom management can include palliative therapies to help reduce
pain and increase comfort, as well as traditional treatment options for cancer.
Supportive therapies can also help patients and families cope with
mesothelioma’s emotional and psychological effects.

Surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation and targeted or gene therapy can
remove or reduce tumors that cause mesothelioma symptoms, offering patients
relief. However, these treatments can also cause side effects and some can have
challenging recoveries. Many patients worry treatment effects may be as bad or
worse than their current symptoms and are concerned about how these effects may
limit their daily activities.

When mesothelioma survivors speak with me, they ask about treatments to manage
their symptoms and what their quality of life will be like after treatment. They
ask me, ‘Will it make me sicker than I’m already feeling at this moment?’ and
‘Is it worth going through it?’

Dr. Snehal Smart, patient advocate & medical doctor at The Mesothelioma Center

A good symptom management plan, including pain management, takes your health and
specific symptoms into account. Nutrition, exercise and mental health support
are all important parts of treating mesothelioma symptoms.

Traditional approaches such as respiratory therapy, physical and occupational
therapy and pain medication are sometimes combined with complementary therapies
such as massage, gentle yoga or meditation. Support groups can help patients
manage emotional aspects of their mesothelioma symptoms and share personal
insights into approaches that work for them.

COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT MESOTHELIOMA SYMPTOMS

When do mesothelioma symptoms start?

Mesothelioma symptoms tend to present between 20 and 60 years after asbestos
exposure. This delay is known as the latency period. The signs of mesothelioma
also mimic many common diseases. These factors make a mesothelioma diagnosis
challenging for unspecialized doctors.

Can you have mesothelioma and not know it?

Yes, you may have mesothelioma without any symptoms. Many mesothelioma symptoms
are mild and mimic the flu or a stomach virus. Most only appear decades after
asbestos exposure. Doctors may also misdiagnose this rare cancer as other
illnesses, delaying your mesothelioma diagnosis.

Can mesothelioma symptoms come on suddenly?

Yes, some mesothelioma symptoms may occur suddenly. Some patients do not
experience symptoms until the cancer has spread to another organ, such as the
kidneys or liver. The cancer location determines the type and severity of
symptoms you may have.

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Cite This Article
Why Trust Asbestos.com?
Written By
Karen Selby, RN
Registered Nurse and Patient Advocate
(833) 987-2974
kselby@asbestos.com
Karen Selby is a registered nurse with a background in oncology and thoracic
surgery. She previously served as the regional director of a tissue bank and
assisted with thoracic surgeries as an operating room nurse.
* Expertise in mesothelioma, cancer therapy and immunotherapy
* Licensed and registered nurse
* Graduated from University of South Alabama (B.S.), University of Central
Florida (M.B.A)
* Member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators

Edited By
Walter Pacheco
Managing Editor
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jacques Fontaine
Thoracic Surgeon & Contributing Writer
Article Contributors
Dr. Marcelo DaSilva
Thoracic Surgeon & Contributing Writer
Dr. Jeffrey Velotta
Thoracic Surgeon & Contributing Writer

THIS PAGE CONTAINS 19 CITED ARTICLES

The sources on all content featured in The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
include medical and scientific studies, peer-reviewed studies and other research
documents from reputable organizations.

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Mesothelioma. Retrieved from
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-statistics.html
2. Miklusiak, K. et al. (2023, February 28). Challenges in the Diagnosis and
Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Case Study and Review of the
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3. Demirjian, C.C. et al. (2023, January 19). Psychosocial Well-Being Among
Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Retrieved from
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4. American Cancer Society. (2022, November 17). Office of Cancer Survivorship
Statistics and Graphs. Retrieved from
https://cancercontrol.cancer.gov/ocs/statistics
5. American Cancer Society. (2022, March 16). Physical Activity and the Person
with Cancer. Retrieved from
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6. Alhumidi, A. & Alqahtani, A. (2020). Metastatic Pleural Mesothelioma
Presenting Initially as Multiple Gastric and Colonic Polyps. Retrieved from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32760490/
7. Hino, O. et al. (2019, May). In Commemoration of the 2018 Mataro Nagayo
Prize: A Road to Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Asbestos-Related
Mesothelioma. Retrieved from
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8. Zhuo, M. et al. (2019, May). Survival Analysis via Nomogram of Surgical
Patients with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma in the Surveillance,
Epidemiology, and End Results Database. Retrieved from
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9. Verma, V. et al. (2019, April 22). Management of Malignant Pleural
Mesothelioma in the Elderly Population. Retrieved from
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10. Espinoza-Mercado, F. et al. (2019, April 18). Disparities in Compliance
with National Guidelines for the Treatment of Malignant Pleural
Mesothelioma. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31004585/
11. Duranti, L. et al. (2019, March). Extra-Pleural Pneumonectomy. Retrieved
from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31019792/
12. Hasegawa, S. et al. (2019, January 10). Surgical Risk and Survival
Associated With Less Invasive Surgery for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma.
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13. Kindler, H.L. et al. (2018, May 1). Treatment of Malignant Pleural
Mesothelioma: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice
Guideline. Retrieved from
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14. Rossini, M. et al. (2018, April 3). New Perspectives on Diagnosis and
Therapy of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Retrieved from
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15. Husain, A.N. et al. (2018, January). Guidelines for Pathologic Diagnosis of
Malignant Mesothelioma 2017 Update of the Consensus Statement From the
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16. Wagas, A. et al. (2018). Factors Influencing Malignant Mesothelioma
Survival: A Retrospective Review of the National Mesothelioma Virtual Bank
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19. Shavelle, R. et al. (2017, January 23). Life Expectancy in Pleural and
Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Retrieved from
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
2024. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

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MLA

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

CHICAGO

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
2024. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

ASBESTOS.COM IS THE NATION’S MOST TRUSTED MESOTHELIOMA RESOURCE

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MLA

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

CHICAGO

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
2024. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

ASBESTOS.COM IS THE NATION’S MOST TRUSTED MESOTHELIOMA RESOURCE

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MLA

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

CHICAGO

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
2024. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

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MLA

Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com, 18 Jun 2024,
https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/.

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Selby, Karen. "Mesothelioma Symptoms." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 18,
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