Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms can take up to 50 years after the period of exposure to become apparent. An early mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult as mesothelioma symptoms are non-specific and could be indicative of other less serious conditions.

They also depend on the type of mesothelioma one may have. In general, mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium, which is a system of membranes that covers many vital organs and tissues. There are three types, named after the membranes that the cancer affects – pleural, peritoneal, and pericardial mesothelioma. The mesothelial membrane called the “pleura” surrounds the lungs and chest cavity. The “peritoneum” covers most organs in the abdomen, and the “pericardium” is the mesothelial tissue that covers the heart. Malignant mesothelioma, like other cancers, causes the affected cells to divide abnormally.

Pleural (chest & lungs) mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath and chest pain. Peritoneal (abdomen) mesothelioma symptoms include but are not limited to weight loss, abdominal pain, swelling, and bowel dysfunction. Pericardial (heart) mesothelioma is the least common form of the cancer. Its symptoms are similar to those of pleural mesothelioma, and also can include heart palpitations. See the sections on Types of Malignant Mesothelioma for more information on the three main types of the disease.