Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are more likely to be caused by other conditions, so at first people may ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for at least a few months before they are diagnosed.
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the chest) can include:
- Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and arms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Weight loss (without trying)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
These symptoms can be caused by mesothelioma, but more often they are caused by other conditions. Still, if you have any of these problems (especially if you have been exposed to asbestos), it’s important to see your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.
The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team
Our team is made up of doctors and master's-prepared nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.
Last Medical Review: May 18, 2015 Last Revised: February 17, 2016
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