Mesothelioma history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sujit Routray, M.D. [2]

Symptoms

Early mesothelioma does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows in size, it may present with one or more symptoms. Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the location of the tumor.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Blood in sputum or hemoptysis
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Trouble swallowing

Mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum can cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Ascites or abdominal distension
• A mass in the abdomen
• Problems with bowel function
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Mesothelioma that affects the pericardium can cause:

• Palpitation
• Cough or hemoptysis
• dizziness or hypotension
• oedema in legs
• Fatigue

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Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

• Chest wall pain
• Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue or anemia
• Wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
• Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up

In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain
• Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
• A mass in the abdomen
• Problems with bowel function
• Weight loss

References

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