Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumor of the mesothelium – a type of membrane that surrounds the body’s internal organs. The mesothelium has two layers. The inner layer (visceral layer) covers the organs themselves, and the outer layer (parietal layer) forms a sac inside which the organs are able to move. A small amount of fluid between the two layers provides a lubricant allowing the organs to slide smoothly within the sac.

The mesothelium surrounding the lungs is called the pleura. Others are the peritoneum (surrounding the abdominal organs), and the pericardium (surrounding the heart). Another is the tunica vaginalis, which is an extension of the peritoneum and surrounds the testicles.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Because pleural, peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma are in different locations, symptoms can vary between these types. But some symptoms are common to all three.

Chest or Abdominal Pain

One of mesothelioma’s symptoms is excessive fluid buildup between the layers of the mesothelium. When this occurs in the pleura, it’s called pleural effusion. The pressure of this accumulated fluid around the lungs can cause moderate to severe chest pain.

When mesothelioma occurs in the peritoneum or pericardium, then peritoneal or pericardial effusion can also cause chest or abdominal pain.

Respiratory Symptoms

Pleural effusion caused by pleural mesothelioma can create other symptoms in addition to pain. The pressure of the excess fluid against the lungs can cause shortness of breath, and the inability of the lungs to expand fully can result in a persistent cough.

The pressure of fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen from peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma can also cause similar breathing difficulties and coughing.

Sleeplessness, Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss

Difficulty breathing and recurring pain can contribute to sleeplessness, which in turn can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss.

Pleural Mesothelioma – Additional Symptoms

Additional symptoms that may be present with pleural mesothelioma include:

Hoarseness or husky voice
Difficulty swallowing

Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Additional Symptoms

Because of a peritoneal tumor’s location in the abdomen, a variety of gastric-related symptoms may occur:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal swelling
Fever
Weakness
Anemia

Pericardial Mesothelioma – Additional Symptoms

The pericardial tumor being located adjacent to the heart can cause:

Extreme fatigue after minor physical activity
Heart palpitations

Testicular Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma that strikes the tunica vaginalis – the membrane surrounding the testicles – is referred to as testicular mesothelioma. This type of tumor rarely causes any symptoms. It is typically discovered only when a testicular lump becomes evident. This type of cancer is so rare, only about 100 cases have ever been documented.

Diagnosis

All of the symptoms above are common to many other diseases and medical conditions which occur far more frequently than mesothelioma. Exhibiting these symptoms doesn’t necessarily indicate mesothelioma. Consequently, it is not unusal for a diagnosis of mesothelioma to be overlooked until other, more-probable conditions have been ruled out.