Mesothelioma can cause people to have chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fluid buildup and a persistent cough. Knowing these and other mesothelioma symptoms helps people decide when to see their doctor and begin medical tests to determine if they have this type of cancer.
Medically reviewed for accuracy by
Dr. Hassan Khalil
Mesothelioma Thoracic Surgeon
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Dr. Hassan Khalil
Mesothelioma Thoracic Surgeon
Dr. Khalil is a mesothelioma thoracic surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Khalil has been a medical reviewer for Mesothelioma Guide since 2021. He prioritizes ensuring the accuracy, relevancy and completeness of all medical information published on this website. Read More
The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on where tumors formed in the body. Mesothelioma that forms near the lungs causes chest pain, coughing and shortness of breath. Mesothelioma that forms in the abdominal cavity causes abdominal pain and abdominal swelling.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma include fluid buildup, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, fever and night sweats.
Symptoms are less noticeable in early stages of mesothelioma and more severe as tumors grow and spread.
Many of the mesothelioma symptoms can also be signs of other conditions, such as pneumonia.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fluid buildup, and pain in the chest or abdomen. These are the most common signs of this type of cancer.
Other symptoms of mesothelioma are loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, difficulty swallowing, blood clots, fever, abdominal swelling, constipation or diarrhea, night sweats, anemia (low red blood count) and bowel obstruction. These symptoms usually present as the cancer grows and spreads.
Some of these symptoms can also be signs of pneumonia, influenza or the common cold, so people should be aware of all possible symptoms.
The symptoms are different depending on where the mesothelioma tumors are in the body. Mesothelioma of the pleura (lining of the lungs) and mesothelioma of the peritoneum (lining of the abdominal cavity) are the two most common types of mesothelioma, and it is important to know that they can have different symptoms.
Some symptoms – such as weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, fever, blood clots, loss of appetite, and anemia – can be the same for both main types of mesothelioma.
General Symptoms of Mesothelioma
When to See a Doctor About Your Mesothelioma Symptoms
People should see a doctor immediately if they have any new or worsening symptoms that can be warning signs of mesothelioma – such as chest or abdominal pain, persistent cough, fever, difficulty breathing, or significant unexplained weight loss.
Some of these symptoms – such as coughing and a fever – can also be signs of conditions such as pneumonia, influenza or the common cold. However, those symptoms combined with the others mentioned above might be a warning sign to see your doctor and to get an expert medical opinion.
Anyone who experiences one or more of these severe symptoms – loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, severe pain in the chest or abdomen, night sweats, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath – should see a doctor immediately.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (forms in the lining of the lungs) include chest pain, fluid buildup around the lungs, persistent coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and muscle weakness.
Pleural Effusions
Pleural effusions, is a condition where an abnormal amount of fluid builds up in the lining around the lungs (pleura). This is a top symptom of pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lungs. As tumors take up space in the lining, the normal pleural fluid can no longer drain effectively. This leads to an abnormal amount of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall, which is called pleural effusions. The excess fluid puts pressure against the lungs and chest wall, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, a persistent cough, and pleurisy (inflammation of the pleura).
Treating Pleural Effusions
Doctors can remove the fluid with one of two procedures: thoracentesis or pleurodesis. Both involve draining the excess fluid from the pleural cavity. A thoracentesis simply drains the fluid, while a pleurodesis drains the fluid and then seals the tissue linings of the pleura together to prevent further fluid build-up in the space.
In a recent study, 85.7% of patients had decreased symptoms and improved comfort after fluid-draining procedures for mesothelioma.
Pleural Plaques
As tumors form in the tissue lining of the pleura, scar tissue can form. This collection of scar tissue is called pleural plaques. They are a common indication of asbestos exposure and a symptom of pleural mesothelioma.
Pleural Thickening
Widespread formation of pleural plaques, or scar tissue, can contribute to overall thickening of the pleura. Pleural thickening can result in adverse effects on normal lung function. Lungs have less space to expand and contract against the chest wall, causing pain, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity) are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, fatigue, muscle weakness, anemia (low red blood count) and bowel obstructions.
Peritoneal mesothelioma starts in the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum. As tumors form and grow, the lining of the abdomen can become irritated. This results in an abnormal production of fluid, and tumors can block the lymphatic system, causing an abnormal drainage of lymphatic fluid.
This leads to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, called ascites. The excess fluid puts pressure against the abdominal wall and the organs in the abdomen, resulting in abdominal pain, swelling and potentially hernias.
Treating Ascites
Doctors can remove the ascites fluid to relieve symptoms. They use a procedure called a paracentesis, which drains the excess fluid from the peritoneal cavity. Patients often report improved comfort after the procedure.
Peritoneal Plaques
Peritoneal plaques are deposits of scar tissue in the lining of the abdominal cavity. These deposits collect in the peritoneum and can be a sign of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Thickening
Peritoneal thickening is widespread scar tissue (peritoneal plaques) that has formed in the peritoneum. This symptom causes abdominal discomfort due to pressure against the abdominal wall.
TUMORS PRESSING AGAINST ABDOMINAL CAVITY ORGANS
As tumors grow in the peritoneum, they can press against and disrupt the organ function within the abdominal cavity. These organs include the small and large intestines, bladder, pancreas and liver. Pressure on these organs can cause pain, constipation or diarrhea, bowel obstructions and loss of appetite.
Symptoms of Other Types of Mesothelioma
In addition to pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, there are two other types of mesothelioma:
Forms in the thin lining around the heart (pericardium). Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, coughing, fever, night sweats, weight loss, heart palpitations and an irregular heartbeat. Pericardial mesothelioma can also cause constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the lining around the heart becomes thick and firm, preventing it from pumping blood effectively. This can cause fatigue, swelling of the legs and shortness of breath.
Testicular mesothelioma
Forms in the lining of the testes. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, swelling or lumps in the scrotum or groin, pain or discomfort in the testicles or groin, a change in size or shape of the testicles, and discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
Pericardial Effusions
Pericardial effusions are abnormal accumulations of fluid in the sac around the heart, called the pericardium. This can occur due to infections, injury or medical conditions like pericardial mesothelioma. This excess fluid can put pressure against the heart or chest wall, causing chest pain and disruption of normal heart function. If the fluid builds up too quickly or is severe enough, compression of the heart can occur. Pericardial effusions are a top symptom of pericardial mesothelioma.
Different Symptoms of Mesothelioma by Stage
The symptoms of mesothelioma often change with the different stages of this cancer. As mesothelioma tumors grow and spread, the cancer stage advances. More symptoms appear in later stages, and symptoms from early stages may worsen.
Early-Stage Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Many of the symptoms of mesothelioma in early stages – stage 1 and stage 2 – can mimic the signs of pneumonia, asthma, influenza, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Patients in early stages of mesothelioma may experience:
Coughing
Chest or abdominal pain
Nausea
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
According to a published book on malignant pleural mesothelioma, around 46% of patients experience shortness of breath.
Be aware of the symptoms of mesothelioma and respond immediately by contacting your doctor if you experience them. Diagnosing mesothelioma in an early stage is the best way to receive effective treatment before tumors grow and spread too far to be contained.
Late-Stage Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Symptoms of mesothelioma in later stages – stage 3 and stage 4 – include more severe forms of earlier symptoms. For example, coughing could be more frequent. The shortness of breath, nausea, and abdominal or chest pain could worsen. The fatigue could be more regular and pronounced.
Other symptoms that may appear in late stages are:
Anemia (low red blood count)
Blood clots
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Difficulty swallowing
Excessive sweating
Fever
Hoarseness
Laryngeal Nerve Palsy – damage to a nerve in the throat, resulting in paralysis of the voice box
Muscle atrophy
Nerve issues in the arms, legs or spinal cord
Night sweats
Swelling of face or arms
Horner’s Syndrome – a combination of face and eye-related symptoms (on one side of the face), such as a drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, decreased tear production, conjunctival redness and decreased sweating on the affected side
How Treatment Can Manage Mesothelioma Symptoms
Treatment for mesothelioma is essential to stop the growth of tumors and improve quality of life for patients.
Some treatment options are not only used for controlling mesothelioma but also to help manage common symptoms of this cancer. When treatment is used for the primary purpose of managing symptoms, this is called palliative care for mesothelioma. Palliative care should be incorporated into every treatment plan and during every stage for mesothelioma.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MESOTHELIOMA PATIENTS
While these treatment options may not singlehandedly defeat mesothelioma, they’re important for managing symptoms and keeping patients comfortable:
Thoracentesis – A procedure to remove fluid from the chest cavity
Contacting an Expert About Your Mesothelioma Symptoms
If you are experiencing any symptoms of mesothelioma, we recommend you contact your doctor immediately. They will evaluate your symptoms and possibly perform imaging scans to gather more information. Seeing your doctor is the first step in determining if your symptoms are that of mesothelioma or another condition.
If you have questions about finding a doctor who specializes in mesothelioma, how to manage your mesothelioma symptoms, how symptoms may change in different stages, and more, please contact Mesothelioma Guide’s experts. Karen Ritter, RN, is also available via email at karen@mesotheliomaguide.com or phone at (888) 385-2024.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mesothelioma Symptoms
What are the biggest signs of mesothelioma?
The most likely signs of mesothelioma are persistent coughing, difficulty swallowing, chest or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss and fatigue. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type of the cancer. Pleural mesothelioma forms near the lungs and causes respiratory symptoms, such as coughing. Peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal cavity and can cause digestive issues.
Are the symptoms of mesothelioma different in each stage?
Some symptoms occur in the early stages, while more severe ones can be found in later stages. Stage 3 and stage 4 mesothelioma are considered the “end stages.” Late-stage symptoms can include night sweats, anemia, coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and swelling of the face or arms.
Can mesothelioma symptoms cause other health conditions?
Yes, some mesothelioma symptoms can cause other health conditions. Fluid build up is a symptom of mesothelioma and has the potential to cause additional health problems. Mesothelioma starts in the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity. This thin lining is filled with fluid. As tumors grow, they take up space and cause excess fluid to build up. The buildup of fluid in these linings is called pleural effusions and ascites. Mesothelioma can also cause plaques and thickening of tissue.
Can mesothelioma symptoms be treated?
Some mesothelioma symptoms can be treated. These are therapies, called palliative mesothelioma treatment, intended to relieve symptoms and improve patient comfort. Examples of palliative therapies for mesothelioma are low-dose chemotherapy and radiation, and pain-management drugs such as opioids. Another example is fluid-draining procedures, such as thoracentesis or paracentesis, to relieve the buildup of fluid in the linings where tumors grow. These noninvasive procedures can provide pain relief by removing the fluid pressing against the lungs, chest wall, abdominal organs and abdominal wall.
What should you do if you experience mesothelioma symptoms?
If you are experiencing any new or worsening general mesothelioma symptoms, talk to your primary care physician immediately. They’ll use scans to detect any abnormalities in your body. If the scans show any unusual masses, then your doctor will likely request a biopsy.
Devin Golden is the senior content writer for Mesothelioma Guide. He produces mesothelioma-related content on various mediums, including the Mesothelioma Guide website and social media channels. Devin's objective is to translate complex information regarding mesothelioma into informative, easily absorbable content to help patients and their loved ones.
Treating Pleural Effusions
Doctors can remove the fluid with one of two procedures: thoracentesis or pleurodesis. Both involve draining the excess fluid from the pleural cavity. A thoracentesis simply drains the fluid, while a pleurodesis drains the fluid and then seals the tissue linings of the pleura together to prevent further fluid build-up in the space.
In a recent study, 85.7% of patients had decreased symptoms and improved comfort after fluid-draining procedures for mesothelioma.