Mesothelioma symptoms can vary widely depending on the type of mesothelioma and its stage of progression. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Learn about the common signs associated with mesothelioma and its specific types:
Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma often presents with the following general symptoms, though their severity and occurrence can vary:
- Persistent Dry or Raspy Cough: A chronic cough that doesn’t go away, often accompanied by hoarseness.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
- Chest or Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain in the chest or abdomen, which may be dull or sharp and can worsen with deep breathing or coughing.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unintended weight loss without changes in diet or exercise routine.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
- Fever or Night Sweats: Occasionally, individuals may experience fever or night sweats, particularly as the disease progresses.
👉 Learn more about the most frequently reported symptoms across all types of mesothelioma on our Common Mesothelioma Symptoms page.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Symptoms specific to pleural mesothelioma include:
- Painful Coughing: Coughing that becomes painful over time, sometimes producing blood.
- Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea): Increasing shortness of breath, often accompanied by chest pain.
- Chest Pain Under the Rib Cage: Persistent pain in the chest wall, often felt under the rib cage.
- Lumps of Tissue Under the Skin on the Chest: Rarely, visible lumps or nodules may form under the skin of the chest.
👉 Explore the full range of signs and symptoms specific to this lung-related cancer on our Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms page.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Symptoms specific to peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Abdominal Pain or Swelling: Persistent pain or swelling in the abdomen, sometimes accompanied by fluid buildup (ascites).
- Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or other changes in bowel habits that persist.
- Nausea or Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting, which may occur due to bowel obstruction or buildup of fluid.
- Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unintended weight loss despite normal diet and eating habits.
- Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
👉 For a deeper look at abdominal symptoms and how they relate to this form of mesothelioma, visit Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart (pericardium). Symptoms specific to pericardial mesothelioma may include:
- Chest Pain: Sharp, stabbing pain in the chest, often behind the breastbone.
- Irregular Heartbeat (Arrhythmia): Heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms.
- Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea): Shortness of breath, especially when lying down (orthopnea).
- Fatigue or Weakness: Persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy.
- Persistent Cough: Dry, persistent cough that does not resolve with usual treatments.
👉 Learn how mesothelioma affects the heart and what signs to watch for on our Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms resource.