As the tumor grows and expands, it often produces fluid that fills the chest or the abdomen, depending upon whether it is pleural or peritoneal mesothelioma. Based on the location of the disease, symptoms of mesothelioma can vary, causing different reactions for different patients. However some of the most common signs presented by patients with mesothelioma include:
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- Presence of Fluid
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- Thickening of Pleura
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- Chest Pain
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- Difficulty Breathing
Please note that while the following is a list of possible mesothelioma symptoms, the disease has a long latency period, meaning that symptoms may not occur for several years (even as long as 40-50 years) after the patient is first exposed to asbestos. If you suspect that you or a loved one may be suffering from symptoms of exposure to asbestos and mesothelioma, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
| Pleural Mesothelioma | % of cases | Peritoneal Mesothelioma | % of cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pleural effusion | 74-84% | Abdominal pain | 63% |
| Dyspnea (shortness of breath) | 6 – 60% | Abdominal mass | 40% |
| Chest pain | 33 – 71% | Increased abdominal girth | 70% |
| Dyspnea and pain | 19 – 28% | Ascites (fluid in abdomen) | 66% |
| Cough | 2 – 27% | Digestive issues | 33% |
| Hemoptysis (spitting blood) | 1 – 6% | Fever | 20% |
| Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) | 1% | Weight loss | 44% |
| Weight loss | 14 – 29% | Thrombocytosis (increased platelets) | 23% |
| Fever | 3 – 33% | Leukocytosis (elevated white blood cell count) | 50% |
| Asymptomatic | 2 – 4% |
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Some of the more common symptoms of mesothelioma include:
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- Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms: Affecting the respiratory system, symptoms for pleural mesothelioma can include: Shortness of breath, Chest pain, Fluid in the Chest Cavity, Fever, Hoarseness, Difficulty Swallowing, Weight Loss, Hemoptysis …
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- Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms: In abdominal or peritoneal mesothelioma, patients report an increased swelling of the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid. Other symptoms can include: Abdominal pain, abdominal mass, digestive disturbances, fever, weight loss, increased platelets in the peripheral blood, and elevated white blood cell count …
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- Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms: With pericardial mesothelioma only being diagnosed in 5% of all mesothelioma cases each year, studies in regards to symptoms are limited; however, these pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can include: Shortness of breath, chest pain, fluid in the pericardial space, vascular compression, persistent coughing, and heart palpitations.
Remember that patients may not begin showing signs of mesothelioma symptoms anywhere from 25-50 years following exposure to asbestos. For more information, the Meso Foundation also offers expert advice, contact us today.
