Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor that seriously affects the human body. There is a strong link between mesothelioma and contact with asbestos particles through breathing or swallowing.

In the initial phase, mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal) may not cause many symptoms. It is only later when cancer moves into the underlying tissues or causes fluid to leak into the cavity in the chest or abdomen that shows symptoms.

The symptoms of mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma appear after 30 to 50 years of asbestos exposure. The accumulation of fluid in the pleura causing chest pain and shortness of breath are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.


The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma

➥ Shortness of breath
➥ Pleural mesothelioma in the late stages can also lead to:
    Swallowing problems, Hoarseness.

➥ Sputum (mucus) or absorbing blood.
➥ A persistent dry cough
➥ Pain, which is often described as severe or dull pain in the shoulder, arm, chest wall and upper abdomen. Some people describe it as a muscle pulled.
➥ Some people describe it as a rapid, stabbing or even 'burning' pain

Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

➥ Anemia
➥ Fever.
➥ Intestinal obstruction
➥ Abnormal blood clotting
➥ Sore belly
➥ Swollen belly
➥ High temperature
➥ Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite
➥ Intestinal and urinary tract problems.

If mesothelioma cancer has spread outside the mesothelium to other parts of the body, the symptoms can be severe pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms can be caused by mesothelioma. It is important to consult a doctor about any of these symptoms.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma in the advanced stages

Symptoms in the later stages of the disease for both species include all the above symptoms, as well as:

➥ Sudden and unexplained weight loss
➥ Fatigue (both types)
➥ Confusion due to chemical imbalances in the body or cancer spread to the brain.


All the symptoms discussed in this section can be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you or someone in your area has one of them (especially if you know you have been exposed to asbestos), you should consult your doctor.

What is Mesothelioma? - click here 

Diagnosis of mesothelioma

The diagnosis of mesothelioma is often complicated because the symptoms are similar to those of various other conditions.

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis. Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, the likelihood of recovery varies depending on various factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the distribution, and the age of the patient.

In general, the earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, the greater the chance of survival. If you think you have had one of the typical symptoms of mesothelioma, visit your doctor for professional advice.

The diagnosis starts with an evaluation of the patient's medical history. The test can be performed and the test, including X-rays of breast or abdominal function and lung function tests.

A computed tomography (CAT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging may also be useful. Computed tomography is a series of images of parts of the internal parts of the body. These images can be seen and a monitor and can also be printed.

To confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma a biopsy is required. And a biopsy, a surgeon or an oncologist, an example of extra tissue for a pathologist, an examination with a microscope. A biopsy can be performed in different ways depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is there and the thorax, the doctor can perform a thoracoscopy.

And for procedural reasons, the doctor has a small cut through the chest wall and places a thin, illuminated tube called thoracoscope and the chest between two ribs. With Thoracoscopy, the doctor can look into the chest and take tissue samples. If the cancer is and the abdomen, the doctor can perform a peritoneoscopy.

To obtain the tissue examination, the doctor has a small opening and abdomen and a special instrument, the peritoneoscope, and the abdominal cavity is inserted. If these procedures do not produce sufficient tissue, a more extensive diagnostic operation may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, knowledge of the stage and extent of the disease.

Staging involves more tests and an accurate effort to determine if cancer has increased, etc., to which parts of the body. Know the stage of the disease. Mesothelioma is described as cancer alone and the surface of the membrane from which it came.


The original layout has spread over the surface of the original membrane in other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

It is important to consult a doctor about any symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Mesothelioma diagnosis can include:

• Medical history, including the history of asbestos exposure
• Physical examination
• Blood tests

• Chest radiographs
• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Drainage and laboratory analysis of the pleural fluid
• A tissue sample (biopsy) to distinguish mesothelioma from another condition known as benign asbestos-related pleural disease.