Mesothelioma: Signs and Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin tissue that lines some internal organs.

It most frequently develops in the pleura, the tissue lining the chest cavity and lungs. It can also form in the peritoneum (the tissue lining the abdomen) or the pericardium (the tissue lining the heart).

Symptoms often vary based on where the cancer starts, but the most common signs include chest pain and shortness of breath.

The pleura in the chest cavity is the most common place for mesothelioma to form. Pleural mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to a mineral called asbestos, which has been used in insulation and building products. People who work in demolition, home repair, and building remodeling are at the highest risk of asbestos exposure. 

When you repeatedly breathe in asbestos fibers, they travel to the lungs and irritate the pleura. This irritation can lead to inflammation and damage. When damaged, the cells may mutate and develop into cancer cells. 

Cancer developing in the pleura can cause fluid accumulation in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This fluid buildup makes it harder to breathe. Once the cancerous tumor grows and presses on nerves in the chest, it can cause pain. 

Common pleural mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Lower back pain 
• Hoarseness 
• Persistent dry cough 
• Trouble swallowing 
• A feeling that something is stuck in your throat 
• Swelling in the face and arms 

The second most common site of mesothelioma is the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdomen. Repeatedly inhaling asbestos fibers can irritate the peritoneum, leading to mesothelioma. 

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Constipation
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Small intestine blockage 

Mesothelioma in the pericardium around the heart is very rare, but asbestos exposure can lead to irritation and damage to the pericardium. 

Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath 
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart murmur 

While symptoms of mesothelioma tend to vary based on where the cancer started (in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium), they share some common symptoms. All types of mesothelioma may cause:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Excessive sweating 
• Unintended weight loss 
• Loss of appetite 
• Blood clots 

Mesothelioma is not a common type of cancer, and the number of cases has been declining. While mesothelioma is possible in children, it’s extremely rare. About 2-5% of people with mesothelioma were diagnosed before age 20.

The symptoms of mesothelioma in children are the same as in adults, and the earliest signs may include chest pain and shortness of breath. 

While mesothelioma is not contagious, your risk may increase if you live with people who work with asbestos.

Workers exposed to asbestos include certain factory workers, miners, insulation installers, shipbuilders, plumbers, and construction workers. People who work with asbestos-containing materials are at a significantly increased risk of mesothelioma. 

Family members of people exposed to asbestos are also at increased risk. People who experience workplace exposure may carry home asbestos fibers in their clothes, which can also expose their family members. If you or a loved one works in an area with possible asbestos exposure, ask your provider about what you can do to lower your risk of developing mesothelioma.

Many cases of mesothelioma do not cause symptoms until the advanced stages, making early diagnosis and treatment more challenging. 

It’s important to see your healthcare provider as soon as you develop symptoms that could indicate mesothelioma, like shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms should never be ignored. When you visit your primary healthcare provider, they may refer you to an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer. 

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin tissue that lines some internal organs in the body. The most common site of mesothelioma is the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs.

Symptoms of mesothelioma often depend on where the cancer first started. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and loss of appetite.