Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Many of the early symptoms of mesothelioma are more likely to be caused by other conditions, so at first people may ignore them or mistake them for common, minor ailments. Most people with mesothelioma have symptoms for at least a few months before they are diagnosed.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the chest) can include:

Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
Shortness of breath
Cough
Fever
Excessive sweating
Fatigue
Weight loss (without trying)
Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
Hoarseness
Swelling of the face and arms

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include:

Abdominal (belly) pain
Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
Weight loss (without trying)
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation

These symptoms can be caused by mesothelioma, but 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 your doctor right away so the cause can be found and treated, if needed.