Mesothelioma Symptoms

In most cases, symptoms of Mesothelioma can arise 2 to 3 months before the cancer is found. Malignant symptoms can be very general and therefore are often ignored.

Early diagnosis and surgical intervention may lengthen life expectancy. For this reason management of this tumor depends largely on the staging at which the diagnosis was made. Surgery, however, may not be a viable option and it all depends on the age and physical condition of the patient. In addition to surgical options, radiation treatment and chemotherapy may be helpful in the overall therapeutic program. Pain management and home care are also typical alternatives in the later stages of the disease.

Plueral Mesothelioma (linning of the chest cavity):

• Cough

• Difficulty sleeping

• Fever

• Pain at the side of the chest or the lower back

• Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)

• Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss

• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing

• Tireness

• Trouble swallowing

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (lining of the abdominal cavity):

• Abdominal pain and swelling

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Weight loss

• Bowell obstruction

• Blood clotting abnormalities

• Anemia

• Fever

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a mesothelioma diagnosis.