Mesothelioma Symptoms

When cancer begins in the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs), mesothelioma symptoms may include shortness of breath, and pain in the chest or under the ribcage. If the cancer starts in the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue covering most of the organs in the abdominal cavity), mesothelioma symptoms such as weight loss and abdominal pain may develop. Sometimes mesothelioma symptoms will not appear until 30 to 50 years after initial exposure to asbestos.

  

Mesothelioma Symptoms: An Overview

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins within the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding most of the organs in the body. Most mesotheliomas begin within the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma symptoms will vary, depending on where the tumor is located.
 

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These pleural mesothelioma symptoms often include:
 
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.
     

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may include:
 
  • Weight loss
  • Lumps in the abdomen
  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
     
Other peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may also include:
 
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Blood clotting abnormalities
  • Anemia
  • Fever.
     
(Mesothelioma Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD