Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are more likely to be caused by other problems, so people might ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for a few months before they get a diagnosis.

General mesothelioma symptoms

Any type of mesothelioma might cause symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Excessive sweating, especially at night
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss (without trying)
• Blood clots

Symptoms of pleural (chest) mesothelioma

Possible symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
• Hoarseness

Symptoms of peritoneal (belly) mesothelioma

Possible symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

• Abdominal (belly) pain
• Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Symptoms of pericardial (heart sac) mesothelioma

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can include:

• Chest pain
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Heart murmur
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis (the covering layer of the testicles)

Symptoms of mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis can include:

• Swelling of a testicle or of the scrotum
• A lump in the testicle or scrotum
• A feeling of heaviness or fullness in the scrotum

While all these symptoms can be caused by mesothelioma, 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 a health care provider right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.