The long latency period attached to mesothelioma means that the symptoms of this disease can take many years to manifest, making both diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. And even when the symptoms do become evident, which can take several decades, the symptoms are so generalised and non-specific that they could be put down to any number of more common diseases. This makes it hard for even experienced doctors to make a quick and conclusive diagnosis with mesothelioma patients. The symptoms of this disease can often be confused with pneumonia during its early stages.
In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ.
The symptoms of the 2 main types of mesothelioma are different.
The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are
- Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest
- A persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- A hoarse or husky voice
- Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
- Sweating and fevers
- Difficulty swallowing
The symptoms of
peritoneal mesothelioma are
- Pain in the abdomen (tummy)
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Feeling or being sick
- Poor appetite
- Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
These symptoms are all more likely to be caused by some other illness, rather than by mesothelioma. But if you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.
