Mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the non-specific nature of patient symptoms. The onset of mesothelioma symptoms is usually very slow, and may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The following symptoms are frequently reported by those with mesothelioma, but are also associated with other medical conditions.

The following symptomatic responses MAY BE caused by mesothelioma, or by other less serious medical problems. Early symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to pneumonia. This information is provided for your information only, and should NOT take the place of a full medical diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, consult your doctor right away.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

• Pleural Effusions
  One of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity. As the volume of fluid increases, shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea", and sometimes pain may occur.
   
• Shortness of Breath
  Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) can be caused by a buildup of fluid in the pleural area of the lungs, and/or the presence of a tumor(s) in the pleural lining. Both conditions can restrict the proper functioning of the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath.
   
• Chest / Back Pain
  A buildup of fluid in the pleural lining of the lungs can create a feeling of fullness and pressure, causing areas of localized pain in the chest cavity and sometimes in the lower back area. Chest pain occurs more often on the right side of the body, as mesothelioma affects the right lung 60% of the time. Only 5% of patients have mesothelioma in both lungs.
   
• Chronic Hoarseness / Difficulty Swallowing / Coughing up Blood
  Chronic hoarseness, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and/or the coughing up of blood (hemoptysis) are symptoms that are exhibited in less than 1% of undiagnosed mesothelioma sufferers.
   
• Swelling of the Face and Arms
  The swelling of the face or neck areas can indicate a spreading of the cancer beyond the mesothelium.
   
• Other reported symptoms include fever, muscle weakness and sensory loss, and nausea.

Symptom	% exhibiting
Shortness of breath and/or chest pain	90%
Weight loss	29%
Cough, weakness, fever, loss of appetite	3%
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood), hoarseness, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).	less than 1%
Pleural Effusions	84%
Asymptomatic	3%

(source: "Diffuse malignant mesothelioma of the pleura in Ontario and Quebec: a retrospective study of 332 patients." P Ruffie et al. Journal of Clinical Oncology Aug 1 1989: 1157-1168.)


Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

• Pain or Swelling of the Abdomen
  Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma usually include abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites).
   
• Bowel Obstruction
  A tumor in the peritoneum membranes can exert increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention.
   
• Weight Loss / Anemia
  Abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and the pressure exerted by the presence of a tumor(s) can lead to a loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss, anemia, and other 'wasting symptoms'.
   
• The presence of tumors in the peritoneal tissues of the abdomen can also cause a frequency in urination, night sweats, fever, and loss of muscle tissue.

The varied and non-specific symptoms associated with mesothelioma, can delay detection and diagnosis. If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor right away. Make sure that your physician is aware of any previous asbestos exposure, and occupational risk factors (click here for a list of at risk occupations).

The early detection of mesothelioma is critical to the patient outlook and in determining applicable treatment options. However, mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose for a variety of reasons. Click here to read about the latest diagnostic procedures.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or are worried that you might have mesothelioma, you may be eligible for compensation. Medical treatment is your primary concern, however, knowing your legal rights can help protect you and your family. Click here to learn more about your legal options.