Mesothelioma Signs and Symptoms: An Overview

Mesothelioma is a benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins within the mesothelium, a protective lining surrounding most of the organs in the body. Most mesotheliomas begin within the pleura (the membrane that surrounds the lungs and lines the wall of the chest cavity) or the peritoneum (the mesothelial tissue that covers most of the organs in the abdominal cavity). Mesothelioma symptoms will vary, depending on where the tumor is located.

Pleural Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms are usually due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura. These symptoms often include:

• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the chest or under the ribcage.
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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal symptoms of mesothelioma may include:

• Weight loss
• Lumps in the abdomen
• Abdominal (stomach) pain
• Abdominal swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (stomach).

Other symptoms may also include:

• Bowel obstruction
• Blood-clotting abnormalities
• Anemia
• Fever.

Metastatic Mesothelioma Symptoms

If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Trouble swallowing
• Swelling of the neck or face.