What symptoms are associated with mesothelioma?
Symptoms are related to the location and extent of involvement. In pleural mesothelioma, the most frequently occurring symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough. These symptoms are a result of a pleural effusion that results from fluid collection between the lung and the lung lining which is now compromised by mesothelioma.
If the less common peritoneal mesothelioma occurs there will be abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss, nausea and loss off appetite. Again location and the pattern of involvement determine symptoms displayed which can include abdominal swelling and bowel obstruction. If the peritoneum or organs under the diaphragm is involved difficulty breathing can also be experienced without lung involvement.
In the rare case of pericardial sac involvement symptoms are chest pain, persistent cough and palpitations. Due to restrictions of cardiac filling caused by invading tumor patients can experience shortness of breath.