Symptoms and Types of Mesothelioma

Additional resources:

• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
• Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
• International Mesothelioma Program
• National Cancer Institute

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that develops in the lining around the lungs (the “pleura”), abdomen (the “peritoneum”) or heart (the “pericardium”). In contrast, lung cancer refers to a malignancy of the lung itself. And, unlike lung cancer, which may have other causes in addition asbestos exposure, mesothelioma is always the result of exposure to asbestos. However, mesothelioma cancer generally does not manifest until decades after the initial asbestos exposure.

Diagnosing mesothelioma can be very difficult because symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until decades after exposure.

The common symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to the cancer’s location. Because of the similarity of the diseases, however, many of the symptoms are overlapping. Most mesothelioma patients experience shortness of breath and generalized fatigue, but more acute pain will likely be more apparent in the chest for pleural and pericardial mesothelioma patients and in the abdominal region for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Learn more about the specific symptoms of mesothelioma:

• Pleural Mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs;
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma, which attacks the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity; and
• Pericardial Mesothelioma, which invades the membrane around the heart.
• Cell Types of Mesothelioma

Many mesothelioma symptoms mirror those of other more common physical conditions. In fact, this is another factor that contributes to the difficulty in diagnosing mesothelioma; its symptoms are often mistaken for the flu, bronchitis, pneumonia or heart disease. Still, patients with any of the mesothelioma symptoms discussed above and a history of asbestos exposure should visit their doctor. When visiting your doctors, remember to tell him or her about your concerns and, most importantly, about your potential asbestos exposure.

Finally, this discussion is not intended as a tool for self-diagnosis, nor is it intended to be a substitute for consulting with a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and mesothelioma treatment. This information is designed to help you learn about mesothelioma.