Early Symptoms Are Easy to Ignore
Mesothelioma symptoms are often ignored for too long because they are mild in the early stages. They also mimic signs of less serious illnesses.[1]
Because the early signs are easy to disregard, too many people receive a diagnosis of mesothelioma at a late stage. If you have been exposed to asbestos or think you have, be vigilant about symptoms.
Also, be aware that a misdiagnosis of mild symptoms is common and can delay a true diagnosis. Get a second opinion if necessary.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Each Type of Mesothelioma?
There are different types of mesothelioma depending on the location of the primary tumor. Each causes specific symptoms, though fatigue and weight loss are common in all types. It is important to remember that as the disease progresses, symptoms will change and worsen.
- Pleural mesothelioma symptoms begin in the respiratory system and impact breathing.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms start in the abdomen and affect digestion.
Pleural Mesothelioma
Signs and symptoms of this most common type of mesothelioma include:[2]
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue and muscle weakness
- Night sweats and fever
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Wheezing
This is the type of mesothelioma that attacks the pleura, the lining of tissue that surrounds the lungs, so most symptoms are associated with breathing and the chest.
Some symptoms result from complications of the cancer, like pleural effusion. This occurs when fluid collects between the two layers of the pleura. It causes pain and shortness of breath that worsen over time and with activity.
The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are easy to mistake for the symptoms of other conditions that are not as serious or life-threatening:
- Bronchitis
- Chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
- Other respiratory infections
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause the following:[3]
- Abdominal pain
- Buildup of fluids
- Decreased appetite and weight loss
- Gastrointestinal symptoms
- Fatigue
This is the second most common type of mesothelioma. It affects the lining of the organs in the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma primarily causes symptoms related to abdominal organs.
As with pleural mesothelioma, the buildup of fluid is a common complication that causes symptoms. In the abdomen, this is called ascites, and it causes swelling, discomfort, and even pain.
Other potential complications include fatigue, bowel obstructions, indigestion, and hernias.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may not seem that serious in the early stages, leading to a delay in diagnosis. They also mimic the signs of more common gastrointestinal conditions:
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- A food allergy or sensitivity
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Affecting the lining of tissue around the heart, this type can cause:[4]
- Trouble breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue and fever
- Heart murmurs
Pericardial mesothelioma is rare. Swelling and fluid buildup in the pericardium is the leading cause of symptoms, which can be mistaken for more common health conditions.
Pericardial effusion, the fluid buildup around the heart, is caused by several conditions other than pericardial mesothelioma. Possible misdiagnoses include:
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Pericarditis
- Cardiomyopathy
Testicular Mesothelioma
Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest type of mesothelioma, with fewer than 100 cases ever reported.[5] This means there is no comprehensive list of symptoms.
The first symptom may be a hydrocele, a buildup of fluid between the layers of the mesothelium within the scrotum.
It may also present as a lump under the skin on one or both of the testicles, which may be mistaken for a hernia. Without surgery, it is difficult to determine if it is a hernia, mesothelioma, or another type of cancer.
What Symptoms Are Common to All Types of Mesothelioma?
Regardless of where the mesothelioma occurs, this cancer can cause pain, fatigue, a fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, excessive sweating, and blood clots.
Symptoms by Stage
Mesothelioma, like other cancers, is staged between one and four, from least to most advanced. The symptoms of all types of mesothelioma get more severe as the cancer grows and spreads.[6]
Stage I and II symptoms may be mild enough that a patient is not alarmed and does not seek a diagnosis. They typically include a cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Stage III and IV symptoms worsen from the early stages and include increased pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, and more severe respiratory complications.
Many people do not get a diagnosis of mesothelioma until the cancer is in a later stage. By this point, symptoms have become severe and difficult to manage. Treatment options are limited at this point, which is why it is important to understand symptoms and seek a diagnosis early.
Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is almost always malignant. Benign mesothelioma is very rare but possible. It is unrelated to asbestos exposure and may begin with a tumor in any area of the mesothelium. The tumor can grow large, making surgical removal necessary.
The symptoms of benign mesothelioma are similar to the early symptoms of malignant pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Indigestion
- Abdominal swelling
- Loss of appetite
The larger the tumor grows, the worse the symptoms become. Surgery should relieve all symptoms and usually cures the condition. Recurrences are possible.[7]
Symptoms and the Latency Period
Mesothelioma has a long latency period—between twenty and fifty years—compared to other illnesses and cancers. This is the period of time between exposure to asbestos and a diagnosis.
The mild early symptoms are one reason for this long latency. Many people do not take symptoms seriously until they worsen as the cancer develops. Another issue is that the symptoms mimic those of more common illnesses. This further delays diagnosis and lengthens the latency period.
Symptoms of Metastasis
Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells to more distant tissues in the body. As the tumor metastasizes, symptoms typically become more severe. Chest pain, pleural effusion, shortness of breath, and other signs worsen. The symptoms may also shift depending on where the cancer spreads.[8]
As pleural mesothelioma metastasizes, it may begin to spread to the lymph nodes, pericardium, peritoneum, diaphragm, chest wall, and lungs. Symptoms may progress to include abdominal symptoms, fatigue, and fever.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may spread to the intestines, liver, spleen, stomach, and other abdominal organs causing more related symptoms with greater severity.
How Painful Is Mesothelioma?
Pain is one of the most common symptoms of mesothelioma patients. Several things cause pain if you have this cancer:
- The pressure of tumors on nerves, organs, and tissues
- The buildup of fluid around the lungs or in the abdomen
- Metastasis, or the spread of tumors, to bones, joints, and muscles.
The pain associated with mesothelioma gets worse as the disease progresses. Many palliative procedures and strategies aim to improve quality of life by reducing pain. Surgical procedures, draining fluid, and medications can help lessen mesothelioma pain.
What Should I Do if I Have Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
It is vitally important that if you know, or even suspect, that you have been exposed to asbestos, you educate yourself about these symptoms. Let your physician know about your occupational or environmental history.
Because few physicians have ever dealt with mesothelioma, the condition and its symptoms are easy to overlook. Being aware of early symptoms and pushing for a diagnosis gives you valuable treatment time.
If you suspect you have been given a misdiagnosis, don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion. A good doctor not only won’t mind that you do, but they will encourage you to take the steps you need to feel more comfortable.
How Can I Manage Mesothelioma Symptoms?
Treatment for mesothelioma serves several purposes: to extend life expectancy, cure the cancer, and improve quality of life. Managing symptoms is essential for the latter.
It’s important to be open and honest with your treatment team about symptoms you experience. They can put together treatment plans that include symptom management. Some of your options include:
- Palliative procedures. Surgical procedures, such as draining fluid or reducing tumor bulk, can help you feel better.
- Catheter. Fluid buildup tends to be a recurring problem, so your team may insert a catheter that allows you to drain fluid more frequently at home to get relief.
- Chemotherapy and radiation. These standard treatments for cancer are not just curative. They can shrink tumors to improve quality of life. Of course, you need to balance the benefits of them against the additional side effects they may cause.
- Medications. Your team may recommend certain medications, like painkillers, to help you feel better.
- Diet and nutrition. Working with a dietician can help you nourish the body, which makes it easier to cope with symptoms.
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM strategies don’t replace standard cancer treatment, but they can help you manage symptoms. Try acupuncture, massage therapy, mind-body therapies, supplements, and other therapies approved by your doctors.
To best manage mesothelioma symptoms, rely on specialists and a multidisciplinary treatment team. Communicate with them regularly so they know how to help you.
Mesothelioma is a highly specialized type of cancer. Most doctors, even oncologists, have little to no experience diagnosing or treating it. Especially if you have the risk factors for mesothelioma, if you experience symptoms that concern you, seek out a specialist in this kind of cancer or a cancer center that staffs experts in mesothelioma. It could be the best decision you make for your health and your future.
