Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma resemble those of many other medical problems, which is why many patients do not realize that the symptoms they are experiencing are related to an occupation or other place of exposure from 10, 20 or even 50 years ago.

Prolonged exposure is not necessary to trigger this disease later in life. Exposure to asbestos for as little as three or four months could result in a diagnosis of mesothelioma decades later.

Mesothelioma affects the lining and tissues of various cavities in the body, and often starts as many tiny lumps, or nodules, in the serous membranes that surround the lungs, abdomen, heart and other organs. The nodules may not show up on scans or x-rays until they are quite large. As these cancerous tumors grow, they cause the tissues to expand and gather fluid. This excess fluid is typically what causes the symptoms to occur. The symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of these tumors.

There are three types of mesothelioma, each showing different symptoms in its victims. The most common type of mesothelioma is that which affects the lung lining, and is called pleural mesothelioma. Other types are peritoneal mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the heart.

Pleural mesothelioma - the most common. Asbestos fibers are breathed in, travel through the lung and become lodged in the pleura – the thin, saran wrap-type membrane that lines and encases the lung. The process of irritation from the infiltration of the asbestos fibers creates changes in the mesothelial cells.

The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:

• Pleural effusions (an accumulation of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity

• Shortness of breath

• Chest or back pain

• Chronic hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Coughing up blood

• Swelling of the face and arms

• Fever

• Muscle weakness

• Sensory loss

• Nausea

Peritoneal mesothelioma - less common. This is cancer of the membrane that encompasses the lining of the abdomen.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:

• Pain or swelling of the abdomen

• Bowel obstruction

• Weight loss / anemia

• Presence of tumors in the peritoneal tissues

• Frequency in urination

• Night sweats

• Fever

• Loss of muscle tissue

Pericardial mesothelioma – the most rare. The lining of the heart is called the pericardium, and this form of mesothelioma affects this lining, causing fluid to gather.

The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:

• Chest pain

• Cough

• Irregular heart beat

• Irregular breathing patterns