What Are The Signs & Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma symptoms may lead to late diagnosis due to their vague nature and the disease’s long latency period. Symptoms can take 10 to 50 years to appear after initial asbestos exposure and resemble more common illnesses, such as pneumonia or gastrointestinal issues. This similarity can lead to misdiagnosis or delays in treatment. If you were exposed to asbestos and begin experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why recognizing the early signs and symptoms of mesothelioma matters:
- Timely diagnosis: Earlier detection could result in quicker access to targeted medical care.
- More treatment options: At earlier stages, patients may have more treatment options to choose from.
- Improved outcomes: Prompt care may lead to a better prognosis and longer survival.
- Better quality of life: Early symptom control may reduce discomfort and emotional distress.
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary based on where the cancer develops and how it affects surrounding tissues. The lists below group common mesothelioma symptoms by the areas of the body they impact.
Rare symptoms of mesothelioma may include blood clotting issues, bone pain, coughing up blood, intestinal obstruction and nerve pain. These symptoms are less common overall but may be more typical in one mesothelioma type than another.
How Doctors Use Symptoms to Detect Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms are often vague. Patients commonly report fatigue, shortness of breath or weight loss. Some doctors may initially attribute these symptoms to stress, aging or minor infections. But for people with a history of asbestos exposure, these signs should not be ignored.
“I was losing 5 to 7 pounds a week. Every evening, like clockwork, I’d get a low-grade fever. I thought it was the flu or hormones, but something just felt off.”
Mesothelioma Survivor
Heather’s experience shows how these symptoms can quietly escalate. In her case, further symptoms like night sweats and chest tightness followed, yet doctors first suspected more common conditions. The following tips may help you find the true cause of unexplained symptoms like the ones Heather experienced:
- When to take symptoms seriously: If symptoms persist, worsen or seem unusual, it’s important to seek medical attention. Even if they appear minor, ongoing health issues shouldn’t be dismissed, especially with known asbestos exposure.
- Diagnosis starts with symptoms: Symptoms often serve as the first step in the diagnostic process. Physicians generally conduct a physical exam and may order imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans. Blood tests can also be used to help rule out other conditions.
- Confirming the diagnosis: If the patient’s symptoms and test results suggest mesothelioma, the doctor’s next step is to order a biopsy. This involves removing a tissue sample and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells. A biopsy, along with a pathology report, can definitively diagnose mesothelioma. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, the patient and doctor can begin discussing treatment options.
Detecting mesothelioma in its earlier stages can lead to more treatment options, a better prognosis and improved quality of life. In some cases, early-stage patients may qualify for aggressive options like surgery, which can extend survival.
What Factors Influence Mesothelioma Symptoms?
Mesothelioma symptoms vary widely from patient to patient. Several key factors affect how and when mesothelioma symptoms develop:
- Asbestos exposure: People with prolonged or high-level exposure may experience mesothelioma symptoms sooner than those with limited exposure. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and World Health Organization (WHO) both recognize asbestos as a known carcinogen and as the primary cause of mesothelioma.
- Cancer spread (metastasis): As mesothelioma cancer spreads to other tissues and organs, it can trigger more severe or additional symptoms. A study published in 2023 from Massachusetts General Hospital found that 44% of pleural mesothelioma patients had cancer that had spread beyond the chest cavity, affecting areas including to the abdominal lining (peritoneum), liver, brain and bones. This spread often leads to new or more severe symptoms depending on which organs are affected.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma by Type
Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the tumor’s location. Patients experience different signs based on the mesothelioma type, or where it develops. For example, trouble breathing is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. This type forms in the lining around the lungs. As a result, its earliest signs may occur in the chest or respiratory system.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma. It develops in the protective outer lining around the lungs called the pleura. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms often manifest as respiratory problems. As the disease spreads within the chest, it can lead to complications such as nerve and spinal cord pressure causing pain, and the buildup of fluid in the chest, known as pleural effusion. This fluid can compress the lung, making breathing difficult.
Signs and symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:
- Chest pain
- Cough (persistent and dry cough)
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Pain (any form)
- Pleural effusion
- Pleural plaques
- Pleural thickening
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Sweating (profusely)
- Trouble swallowing
- Weight loss (unintended)
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms may be mistaken for those of the flu, bronchitis, heart problems, pneumonia or lung cancer.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of this cancer. It accounts for 10-15% of cases and develops in the peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). Most symptoms appear in the abdominal region. Since the abdomen holds multiple organs, symptoms vary depending on which ones are near the tumor. Patients may not notice symptoms until the cancer reaches an advanced stage.
Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Abdominal distension (swelling of the belly)
- Abdominal pain
- Ascites / peritoneal effusion
- Bowel obstruction
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Feeling full early
- Fever (unexplained)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Pain (any form)
- Vomiting
- Weight loss (may be substantial)
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be mistaken for gallbladder problems or a hernia. They can also look like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease or ovarian cancer.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the lining around the heart. It is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounting for less than 1% of diagnoses. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms typically affect the chest region. Symptoms may appear to progress quickly because this form of mesothelioma is often diagnosed in late stages.
Signs and symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma may include:
- Cardiac tamponade (pressure on the heart from fluid buildup)
- Chest pain
- Dry cough
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Fatigue
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Pericardial effusion
- Pericardial thickening
- Right shoulder pain
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the legs or lower extremities
Pericardial mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as coronary artery disease, heart failure or other heart-related cancers.
Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms
Testicular mesothelioma develops in the linings around the testes, called the tunica vaginalis testis. This type of mesothelioma is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of mesothelioma diagnoses.
Signs and symptoms of testicular mesothelioma may include:
- Enlargement of the scrotum (scrotal swelling)
- Hydrocele (fluid in the lining around the testicle)
- Inguinal mass (mimicking inguinal hernia)
- Solid scrotal mass (paratesticular mass)
- Spermatocele (fluid filled sac in the epididymis)
Testicular mesothelioma symptoms may be mistaken for those of a hernia or other testicular conditions.
Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Symptoms by Mesothelioma Stage
Symptoms of mesothelioma may differ based on stage. Patients with stage 1 or stage 2 mesothelioma may experience milder symptoms than those with stage 3 or stage 4 mesothelioma. In general, stages 1 and 2 can be categorized as early-stage mesothelioma and stages 3 and 4 as later stages.
Early-Stage Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may be milder in the early stages of mesothelioma (stage 1 and stage 2). Early signs of mesothelioma can include:
- Abdominal pain or chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fluid buildup
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
It is not uncommon for early mesothelioma signs and symptoms to go unnoticed. This makes it vital for anyone with known asbestos exposure to watch for subtle changes in their bodies.
“Mesothelioma is often mistaken for conditions like bronchitis, pneumonia or COPD because the early symptoms are so similar. Accurate diagnosis can be delayed until more distinct signs of mesothelioma appear as the disease progresses.”
Thoracic Surgeon
Late-Stage Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may be more severe during the later stages of mesothelioma (stage 3 and stage 4). Late-stage mesothelioma symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or chest pain (severe)
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Fatigue (overwhelming)
- Fluid buildup
- Persistent cough
- Severe or worsened pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
Some mesothelioma patients may not seek care until their symptoms worsen. However, a diagnosis is still valuable at any stage. It allows Mesothelioma specialists to recommend appropriate treatments and relieve patients’ pain or discomfort.
Treating & Managing Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma treatment often focuses on two main goals: slowing the progression of the cancer and managing painful or uncomfortable symptoms. A specialized team of doctors develops a personalized treatment plan based on each patient’s diagnosis, health and medical history.
Mesothelioma treatment options typically fall into two broad categories: therapeutic and palliative.
- Therapeutic treatments seek to help patients live longer. They aim to target and remove the cancer itself and may include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiation. Treatments can remove or shrink cancerous tumors, which may help alleviate symptoms. For example, surgery may remove a peritoneal mesothelioma tumor. This can decrease pressure on organs in the abdomen, which can ease abdominal pain and reduce bloating. Mesothelioma patients often receive multimodal therapy, which combines multiple treatments for better results.
- Palliative treatments are used at any stage of mesothelioma to improve comfort and quality of life. One common symptom is fluid buildup around the lungs, abdomen or heart. Procedures like thoracentesis, paracentesis, or pleurodesis can help drain this fluid and relieve related symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest tightness. In some cases, doctors may place a catheter to allow ongoing fluid drainage from home.
Mesothelioma treatment costs can be expensive and depends on factors such as diagnosis, type of treatment, tumor location and insurance coverage. In addition to medical costs like diagnostic tests and therapies, patients may also have expenses related to traveling for treatment. Fortunately, many resources and services are available to help manage these costs. Insurance coverage, legal claims, charitable aid, government assistance and disability benefits can all help reduce the financial burden of treatment.
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Symptoms
- What are the early warning signs of mesothelioma?
Early warning signs of mesothelioma cancer include difficulty breathing, pain, fever, fluid buildup or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may start mild and become more severe as the cancer progresses. Identifying these mesothelioma signs early on may help patients receive an early diagnosis.
- Can mesothelioma cancer cause fever?
Running a fever may be a sign of many forms of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma. But fevers can also signal less serious conditions like a cold or stomach bug. Patients with risk factors for asbestos diseases should mention them to their doctors. This can help identify the true cause of vague symptoms, including a fever.
- How long do symptoms of mesothelioma take to develop?
It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for mesothelioma symptoms to develop after exposure to asbestos. The average latency period across all ages, genders and types of mesothelioma is around 30 years.
- When should I see a doctor?
See your primary care doctor if you have persistent symptoms that concern you. This includes chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, coughing or fatigue that are persistent, worsening or not improving over time. Be sure to tell your doctor about any asbestos exposure in your past. This can help them monitor for potential mesothelioma symptoms.
- Why is symptom management important?
Treatment of mesothelioma symptoms can be as important as treating the cancer itself. Symptom management can make life more comfortable for patients, improve quality of life and even extend survival time.
