The symptoms of Mesothelioma will vary  depending on the area affected and will vary from case to case and with the severity of the illness.  Pleural (lung), peritoneal (abdomen), and pericardial (heart) Mesothelioma may cause different symptoms but many of the symptoms will overlap.  It is important to know that it may be decades before any symptoms appear and that these symptoms may be non-specific and may be mistaken for other more common illnesses like flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart disease.

Please keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by Mesothelioma or by other less serious conditions.  Only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The early symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma may resemble viral pneumonia; shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or persistent cough. A chest x-ray may show a buildup of fluid in one or both lungs.  Less common symptoms may include fever, night sweats, and weight loss.  Some patients will show no symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma may include pain and swelling of the abdomen due to a buildup of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia, and/or swelling of the feet.

Pericardial Mesothelioma 

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma  may include chect pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, persistent coughing, and extreme fatigue after minimal exertion.

What Is Mesothioma?