Mesothelioma history and symptoms

Mesothelioma Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Mesothelioma from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Diagnostic Studies
Other Imaging Findings
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Summary of Treatment for Pleural Mesothelioma
Summary of Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Mesothelioma history and symptoms On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Mesothelioma history and symptoms All Images X-rays Echo and Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Mesothelioma history and symptoms
CDC on Mesothelioma history and symptoms
Mesothelioma history and symptoms in the news
Blogs on Mesothelioma history and symptoms
Directions to Hospitals Treating Mesothelioma
Risk calculators and risk factors for Mesothelioma history and symptoms

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
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Difficulty in swallowing

Mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum can cause:

• Abdominal pain
• Ascites
• Abdominal distension
• Lump in the abdomen
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Mesothelioma that affects the pericardium can cause:

• Palpitation
• Cough
• Hemoptysis
• Dizziness
• Swelling in legs
• Fatigue

---

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

Template:WikiDoc Sources