A sign is a phenomenon that can be observed and confirmed by a physician or healthcare professional (eg rash). A symptom is something that only the person in whom it manifests can feel and know (the pain or fatigue, for example). It is possible that mesothelioma causes no signs or symptoms in the early stages. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma often do not appear 20 to 40 years after exposure to asbestos. Symptoms occur when the tumor develops in the tissues and surrounding organs or fluid builds up around the lung (pleural effusion) or in the abdomen (ascites). Most people with mesothelioma are diagnosed when the disease is advanced or generalized.
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma can also be caused by other medical conditions. It is therefore important to consult a doctor if any unusual symptoms occur.
Signs and symptoms vary depending on the location of mesothelioma.
pleural mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma that affects the chest (pleural mesothelioma) include these:
- chest discomfort - pain continues or not on the side of the chest or under the ribcage:
- shortness of breath (dyspnea) - often caused by an accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) or thickening of the pleura
- persistent cough
- difficulty swallowing
- hoarse voice - if pressure is exerted on the nerves of the larynx
- swelling of the face and arms
- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- fever
- sweat
- discomfort
- discomfort
- general feeling of discomfort or of a physiological disorder.
peritoneal mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma affects the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) include these:
- fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites or peritoneal effusion)
- abdominal swelling
- abdominal pain
- mass in the abdomen or pelvis
- nausea and vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- fever
- blockage in the intestine
