Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. It can cause fluid to build up around the lungs (called pleural effusion) or in the abdomen (called ascites), which can cause symptoms. Other signs and symptoms often appear once the tumour grows into surrounding tissues and organs. Because mesothelioma doesn’t cause signs or symptoms in its early stages, it is usually diagnosed after it has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body.

Exposure to asbestos is the most important risk for mesothelioma. But it can take 20 to 60 years after coming into contact with asbestos before signs and symptoms of mesothelioma develop. So it is important to know and watch for the symptoms of mesothelioma if you have been exposed to asbestos.

The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can vary depending on if the cancer starts in the pleura or peritoneum. Other health conditions can also cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma starts in the membrane that lines the chest wall and covers each of the lungs (called the pleura). The most common sign of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath (dyspnea). This may be caused by fluid buildup on the lungs (pleural effusion).

Other signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• aching or pain in the chest or lower back
• dry cough
• fatigue
• weight loss
• fever
• heavy sweating, especially at night
• swallowing problems or feeling like food is getting stuck in the throat
• swelling of the face and arms
• hoarseness

Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the membrane that lines the abdominal wall and covers and supports organs in the abdomen (called the peritoneum). The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• pain and swelling in the abdomen
• fluid buildup in the abdomen( called ascites)
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite
• constipation
• weight loss
• blockage of the small intestine or colon (called bowel obstruction)
• fatigue

In some cases, mesothelioma or its treatment can cause serious problems. These cancer-related emergencies need to be treated right away:

• pressure on the spinal cord (called spinal cord compression)
• pressure on the vein that carries blood from the head, neck, arms and chest to the heart (called superior vena cava syndrome)