What Are the Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma affects the pleura, the lining around the lungs and the chest cavity. It is the most common form of mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases. Because it affects the lungs, many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are related to respiratory function. Learn more about pleural mesothelioma.

Common Symptoms

• Chest Pain: One of the hallmark symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is persistent chest pain. This pain may be sharp or dull and is often localized to the side where the cancer has developed.
• Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea): As tumors grow and the pleura thickens, the lungs may not be able to expand fully, leading to difficulty breathing.
• Pleural Effusion: This refers to the buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleura. It can cause significant discomfort and further contribute to shortness of breath.
• Chronic Cough: A persistent, dry cough that does not respond to typical treatments is another common symptom.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Many patients with pleural mesothelioma experience significant weight loss, which is often unintentional.
• Fatigue: Generalized weakness and a constant feeling of tiredness are common as the disease progresses.
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): In some cases, tumors may press on the esophagus, making swallowing painful or difficult.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and accounts for about 20-25% of mesothelioma cases. Symptoms often relate to digestive and abdominal functions. Learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.

Common Symptoms

• Abdominal Pain: Persistent or severe pain in the abdomen is a key symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma.
• Abdominal Swelling (Ascites): The buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity can cause noticeable swelling and a feeling of fullness or bloating.
• Digestive Issues: Patients often experience nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Like pleural mesothelioma, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience significant and unintended weight loss.
• Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat, often due to pain or the feeling of fullness caused by fluid buildup.
• Fatigue: Generalized weakness and tiredness, which may be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies and discomfort.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare form of the disease, affecting the pericardium, the lining around the heart. Due to its proximity to the heart, symptoms are often related to cardiovascular function. Learn more about pericardial mesothelioma.

Common Symptoms

• Chest Pain: Persistent pain in the chest, often similar to angina or the pain experienced during a heart attack.
• Pericardial Effusion: Fluid buildup in the pericardium can cause pressure on the heart, leading to discomfort and difficulty breathing.
• Heart Palpitations: Patients may experience irregular or rapid heartbeats as the heart struggles to function normally under pressure.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down, is common as the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised.
• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness and weakness, which can be debilitating.
• Cough: A persistent cough, which may result from pressure on the lungs due to fluid buildup.

Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma, affecting the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testicles. Symptoms are usually related to the reproductive organs and may be more localized. Learn more about testicular mesothelioma.

Common Symptoms

• Testicular Swelling: The most common symptom is swelling or a lump in the testicles, which may be painless or associated with discomfort.
• Hydrocele: The accumulation of fluid around the testicles, leading to noticeable swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
• Pain or Discomfort: Some patients may experience pain or discomfort in the testicles or lower abdomen.
• Inguinal Hernia: In some cases, testicular mesothelioma may be associated with the presence of an inguinal hernia, where a portion of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall into the groin area.

Conclusion

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary widely depending on the type of mesothelioma and the location of the cancer. While pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs and chest cavity, leading to respiratory symptoms, peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal organs, resulting in digestive issues. Pericardial mesothelioma impacts the heart, causing cardiovascular symptoms, while testicular mesothelioma affects the testicles, leading to symptoms related to the reproductive organs. Early detection is crucial for improving the prognosis, but the non-specific nature of the symptoms often makes early diagnosis challenging. Learn about early detection methods.

Sources:

• National Cancer Institute - Mesothelioma Overview
• American Cancer Society - Mesothelioma Symptoms and Signs
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Asbestos and Mesothelioma
• Mayo Clinic - Mesothelioma Symptoms and Causes