Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on the type of mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, or pericardial) and the stage of the disease. Many of these symptoms are common to other conditions, making early detection challenging. Here's a closer look at common mesothelioma symptoms:
Shortness of Breath: Often caused by fluid buildup around the lungs, shortness of breath is a common symptom in pleural mesothelioma, making it difficult to breathe or take deep breaths, leading to discomfort and fatigue.
Chest Pain: Chest pain, which may be sharp or dull, is a frequent symptom of pleural mesothelioma. This pain is typically caused by tumor growth, irritation of the pleura, or pressure from fluid buildup in the chest cavity.
Persistent Cough: A chronic cough, often worsening over time, can be a sign of mesothelioma, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain or blood in the sputum. It can indicate irritation in the lungs due to tumor growth.
Fatigue: One of the most common symptoms, fatigue in mesothelioma patients is often overwhelming and persistent. It can occur even with adequate rest, causing a general feeling of weakness and exhaustion that interferes with daily activities.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden and unexplained weight loss is a typical sign of mesothelioma, particularly in the advanced stages. It can be a result of the body’s response to the cancer, leading to a loss of appetite and difficulty maintaining weight.
Night Sweats: Night sweats in mesothelioma patients are often associated with fever or systemic inflammation caused by the cancer. They can interfere with sleep and are usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever and chills.
Fever: Fever, often mild or low-grade, is a symptom in mesothelioma cases. It’s typically linked to inflammation in the body caused by the presence of cancer cells, contributing to the overall feeling of discomfort.
Coughing Up Blood: Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a serious symptom of mesothelioma, especially in pleural cases. It occurs when the cancer has progressed to affect the respiratory tract or cause bleeding within the lungs.
Difficulty Swallowing: Known as dysphagia, difficulty swallowing can occur in mesothelioma, especially in cases involving peritoneal or esophageal mesothelioma. This happens due to tumors affecting the esophagus or surrounding areas, making swallowing painful or difficult.
Abdominal Pain: Abdominal discomfort is common in peritoneal mesothelioma. It may be dull, aching pain, or more severe and associated with swelling or bloating due to fluid accumulation or tumor growth in the abdominal cavity.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms are often present in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma due to the tumor's impact on the digestive system, leading to nausea, loss of appetite, and frequent vomiting as the disease progresses.
Swelling in Abdomen: Abdominal swelling or bloating is another symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is typically caused by the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and is associated with discomfort and digestive issues.
Bowel Changes: Mesothelioma, especially peritoneal mesothelioma, can cause bowel issues such as constipation or diarrhea. This is due to the tumor’s effects on the digestive system or blockage caused by fluid buildup in the abdomen.
Anemia: Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, is common in mesothelioma patients. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and paleness, as the body struggles to deliver enough oxygen to tissues due to insufficient red blood cells.
Hoarseness: Changes in voice quality, particularly persistent hoarseness, can occur in pleural mesothelioma when tumors affect the vocal cords or the structures in the neck and chest area.
Difficulty Breathing When Lying Down: Known as orthopnea, difficulty breathing while lying down can occur when fluid builds up in the chest or lungs, making it harder to breathe in a horizontal position.
Muscle Weakness: Muscle weakness, or loss of strength, is common in mesothelioma patients due to fatigue, loss of appetite, and the body’s overall response to cancer, making it difficult to perform routine physical tasks.
Clubbing of Fingers: Finger clubbing, or the enlargement and rounding of fingertips with curved nails, is a sign of respiratory issues, including those caused by mesothelioma. It can result from prolonged oxygen deprivation due to lung involvement.
Joint Pain: Pain and discomfort in the joints can occur in mesothelioma patients, particularly if the cancer has spread or if paraneoplastic syndrome, a condition triggered by cancer, affects the joints.
Pericardial Effusion: Fluid buildup around the heart, or pericardial effusion, is a serious symptom of mesothelioma affecting the pericardium. This can lead to chest pain, discomfort, and breathing difficulties as the heart is compressed by the fluid.
Chest Wall Mass: A mass or lump on the chest wall can be a sign of pleural mesothelioma. These masses are typically caused by tumor growth in the chest cavity and can be detected through physical examination or imaging tests.
These symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of mesothelioma. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs and has a history of asbestos exposure, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
