Mesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type, location and stage of the cancer. Symptoms often mimic common illnesses, delaying diagnosis. Knowing what to watch for and when to seek care is vital. Early symptom detection can improve survival outcomes.
Learn more about mesothelioma, asbestos and the steps you can take to fight this disease.
Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
So the symptoms of mesothelioma vary greatly from the time of the initial presentation until we see the patients. Most commonly, the patients present with cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in walking, loss of stamina.
A few patients who were running five or 10 miles, all the sudden, they can't do that, or simple activities at home, such as cooking or care for yourself becomes challenging. Usually presents with a pleural effusion with fluid compressing the lung, causing all those symptoms. But it also can cause chest pain, which indicates to us that the tumor has somehow invaded the chest wall.
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Dr. Marcelo DaSilva: What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
So the symptoms of mesothelioma vary greatly from the time of the initial presentation until we see the patients. Most commonly, the patients present with cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in walking, loss of stamina.
A few patients who were running five or 10 miles, all the sudden, they can't do that, or simple activities at home, such as cooking or care for yourself becomes challenging. Usually presents with a pleural effusion with fluid compressing the lung, causing all those symptoms. But it also can cause chest pain, which indicates to us that the tumor has somehow invaded the chest wall.
What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?
The signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer develops and how advanced it is. Common symptoms include chest or abdominal pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and unexplained weight loss. Early detection is challenging because these symptoms often overlap with other health conditions.
Common Mesothelioma Symptoms
Chest or abdominal pain
Fatigue or weakness
Fever or night sweats
Loss of appetite
Persistent cough or wheezing
Shortness of breath
Swelling in the chest or abdomen
Unexplained weight loss
Early symptoms are typically mild and may include chest or abdominal discomfort, fatigue or a dry cough. In some cases, mesothelioma causes no symptoms in the initial stages.
Later stages usually involve more severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing problems and bowel obstruction.
Be aware that many mesothelioma symptoms can mimic other diseases, which makes diagnosis difficult. If you have experienced asbestos exposure and notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma
Respiratory difficulties are the most reported mesothelioma symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma affects the lining around the lungs (pleura) and usually causes symptoms in the chest and lung area.
In early stages, symptoms usually don’t appear. Some pleural mesothelioma patients may notice only mild shortness of breath with exertion, subtle chest tightness, fatigue, weakness, or a dry cough.
Most late-stage symptoms involve worsening chest pain, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), hoarseness and weight loss.
A 2024 study published in Cancers found that pleural mesothelioma can increase the risk of thrombosis or blood clots. These clots may cause symptoms depending on where they develop in the body.
“Many oncologists, primary care providers and even pulmonologists don’t realize that a pleural effusion or shortness of breath and pain could be mesothelioma because it is so rare,” Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, tells us. “If they know what to look for, they can refer patients to mesothelioma specialists.”
“Many oncologists, primary care providers and even pulmonologists don’t realize that a pleural effusion or shortness of breath and pain could be mesothelioma because it is so rare,” Dr. Jeffrey Velotta, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, tells us. “If they know what to look for, they can refer patients to mesothelioma specialists.”
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Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining (peritoneum) and typically causes symptoms involving the abdomen and digestive tract. Common early symptoms often include abdominal pain and swelling.
Bowel obstruction (blockage in the small intestine)
Constipation
Fatigue
Fever and night sweats
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Unexplained weight loss
A 2023 study in Oncology in Clinical Practice found 30% to 80% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients experience abdominal distension. Tumors may cause bowel obstruction, impacting digestion.
Rare signs of peritoneal mesothelioma include blood clots, hernia, jaundice, low blood sugar, seizures or paralysis. When peritoneal mesothelioma metastasizes or spreads to the liver, intestines and other organs, it can lead to additional rare symptoms. Distant spread occurs in 10% to 50% of stage 4 mesothelioma cases. It can affect distant organs like the chest and brain.
Isabel De La Camara, a peritoneal mesothelioma survivor, tells us her diagnosis had a surprising effect on her life. She says, “It pushed me to enjoy my life more, to live every moment like it’s your last.” Isabel also said she tells people to enjoy today because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed for anyone.
Most Common Symptoms by Mesothelioma Type
Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Fatigue
70%
86%
Weakness
59%
54%
Trouble breathing
63%
20%
Chest pain
50%
20%
Coughing or wheezing
51%
14%
Loss of appetite
44%
58%
Unexplained weight loss
28%
42%
Source:
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com, 2025
Isabel De La Camara
Verified Asbestos.com Survivor
How a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor Keeps a Positive Attitude
Isabel De La Camara was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in 2008. She believes the disease traces back 3 decades ago when she worked at a factory in Puerto Rico. Despite her diagnosis, Isabel is determined to remain joyful and live life to the fullest.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining around the heart and is extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cases. Symptoms often involve heart-related and general systemic issues. The disease’s rarity and nonspecific symptoms make it difficult to diagnose.
Signs and Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Cough
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Heart murmurs or palpitations
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath lying down
Early symptoms may include fever, night sweats and weakness. Later stages can cause fluid buildup around the heart, leading to pressure and heart complications.
Insight From a Mesothelioma Specialist
[Pericardial mesothelioma] patients can present with heart failure initially. It’s not unusual to diagnose pericardial mesothelioma as an incidental finding. You’re not suspecting pericardial mesothelioma.
Testicular mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the testes. The main signs are a lump or swollen testes. This is the rarest form of mesothelioma, accounting for fewer than 1% of cases.
Signs and Symptoms of Testicular Mesothelioma
Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele)
Inguinal hernia
Lump in the scrotum
Spermatocele (cyst in the epididymis)
Swollen testes
Testicular pain
Other early symptoms of testicular mesothelioma include pain similar to a groin injury. Sometimes, these symptoms are mistaken for an infection of the testes.
Symptoms of Mesothelioma by Stage
Symptoms can vary widely depending on the stage of mesothelioma. Symptoms may be mistaken for common illnesses.
Stage 1: Often no signs or very mild symptoms.
Stage 2: Mild symptoms like shortness of breath or persistent cough may begin.
Stage 3: Noticeable symptoms include chest or abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss.
Stage 4: Symptoms become severe like bowel obstruction and difficulty swallowing.
Mesothelioma symptoms intensify as the cancer progresses through its 4 stages. Many patients show no symptoms until stages 3 or 4 when tumors have significantly spread. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, the primary cause of mesothelioma, talk to your doctor about regular screenings.
Mesothelioma screenings can help detect early signs that might otherwise be dismissed as minor health issues. Open communication with your doctor about your exposure history means you’ll both be watching for any early signs or symptoms, potentially leading to an earlier diagnosis, timely intervention and substantially better outcomes.
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Certain signs and symptoms are more critical than others. Chest pain, abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing or a persistent cough are key signs you should see a doctor. This is especially important if you have a history of asbestos exposure.
Steps to Take When Seeing a Doctor
Tell your doctor about past asbestos exposure.
Note how long symptoms last and how often they occur.
Ask for referrals to specialists or mesothelioma screenings.
Frequent bouts of pneumonia may also indicate an underlying lung disease. Early diagnosis through mesothelioma screening is vital for improving survival rates. Statistics show early detection and intervention increase life expectancy for mesothelioma patients.
If you have symptoms, see a mesothelioma doctor or your personal physician. Early treatment is more effective in slowing cancer progression and increasing survival rates.
Real Experience: Early Symptoms That Led to Diagnosis
Mesothelioma survivor Kim Madril describes how one symptom led to her seeking more information.
Survivor Story
Kim Madril: What symptoms did you experience prior to your mesothelioma diagnosis?
I started feeling pain on my left back like right in the middle. I actually thought I I had a kidney stone. I woke up one early morning at 3 AM.
And I had this sharp shooting pain on the left side.
My husband jumped out of bed. He’s like, “what’s wrong?” I said, I think I’m having a kidney stone. And he’s like, alright. Let’s go to the emergency department.
I’m not one to go see doctors, and and I think really I hadn’t been to emergency department in probably 15 years or so. So we ended up there, and they said, “well, you must have passed it because we don’t we don’t see we don’t that we don’t see anything.” I was okay for probably three or four months, and then it came again.
Not to the same degree. And I was kinda like, “Oh, oh, ow, ow!” and it kept happening. And the intervals were coming closer, than than before. They weren’t as spread out.
And so my PCP finally said, “Kim, let’s let’s just, let’s just get a a cat scan. Okay?”
And I said, “oh, okay.” And the CAT scan came back. And he said, there’s something see some sort of nodule, that’s what he called it, a nodule at the base of your left lung. It’s not your kidney. It’s the bottom of your left lung. Which is right about where your kidneys are. And I thought, oh my gosh, I never never thought it would be like a lung thing.
So, I said, oh, okay. And he said, let’s watch it. Because it’s so small right now.
And I said, alright. I’m good with that. But then the pain kept happening. And he said, I’m gonna refer you to a pulmonologist.
And I saw the pulmonologist, And he said, he said, I don’t know Kim. The only thing I can think is you let’s biopsy it. It’s it’s something there. It’s some sort of mask. You keep having pain.
I didn’t have the I didn’t have any problems with shortness of breath. I didn’t have, coughing, excessive coughing.
It was mainly the pain. He said, we just need to biopsy it. So I said, alright. That sounds great.
A persistent, sharp pain, initially thought to be a kidney stone, prompted her to contact a doctor. Her doctor recommended a CAT scan and tumors were detected. Kim was exposed to asbestos as a teenager in her junior high and high school classrooms, during automotive shop, art and ceramics classes.
Managing Mesothelioma Symptoms
Managing mesothelioma symptoms primarily involves palliative care, which focuses on relieving pain and improving quality of life. This approach works alongside traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and emerging therapies such as immunotherapy.
Common Treatments to Manage Mesothelioma Symptoms
Complementary therapies: Massage, acupuncture, meditation, gentle yoga and cognitive behavioral techniques can reduce pain, anxiety and stress.
Fluid drainage procedures: Techniques like thoracentesis and paracentesis remove fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen to relieve pressure and improve breathing.
Pain medication: Mild pain may be managed with over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen. More severe pain often requires prescription opioids such as morphine or oxycodone.
Physical and occupational therapy: These therapies enhance strength, mobility and help patients manage daily activities.
Radiation therapy: Radiation can reduce tumor size and alleviate pain, particularly for nerve-related or chest wall discomfort.
Respiratory therapy: Breathing exercises and supplemental oxygen ease shortness of breath and improve lung function.
A comprehensive symptom management plan addresses physical discomfort and supports overall health, including nutrition, exercise and mental well-being. Frequent communication with your healthcare team ensures symptom management evolves with your needs.
Supportive care that addresses physical and mental health also plays a key role in managing symptoms. Counseling and support groups tailored for mesothelioma patients address anxiety, depression and social challenges linked to this rare and aggressive cancer. Taking an active role in symptom management can allow patients to enhance their comfort, maintain independence longer and improve their overall outlook.
Insight From a Mesothelioma Specialist
Regarding managing symptoms, patients are sometimes challenged with taking pain medication as they worry about being addicted.
Karen Selby, registered nurse and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center
Palliative care helps manage mesothelioma symptoms. It can be given alongside treatment. A 2024 Ottawa Hospital study found only 49% of mesothelioma patients received palliative care.
Our 2025 survey found similar results with only 50% of respondents receiving palliative care. Talk to your doctor about potential palliative options for symptom management.
“A number of treatments can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Discuss all your symptoms with your medical team. Together, you can find the best treatment for you.”
Common Questions About Mesothelioma Symptoms
When do mesothelioma symptoms appear?
Mesothelioma symptoms tend to present between 20 and 60 years after asbestos exposure. This delay is known as the latency period. Asbestos exposure, age, and health can affect the latency period.
Can you have mesothelioma without symptoms?
Yes, you may have mesothelioma without any symptoms. Many mesothelioma symptoms are mild and mimic the flu or a stomach virus. Most only appear decades after asbestos exposure. Doctors may misdiagnose this rare cancer as other illnesses. This can delay your mesothelioma diagnosis.
Can mesothelioma symptoms come on suddenly?
Yes, some mesothelioma symptoms may occur suddenly. Some patients have no symptoms until the cancer spreads to other organs. The cancer’s location determines the type and severity of symptoms you may have.
Do mesothelioma symptoms progress quickly?
It varies. Mesothelioma symptoms usually develop slowly over many years following asbestos exposure. Early signs can be mild or nonexistent, making them difficult to detect. However, as the cancer advances into later stages, symptoms tend to worsen more quickly and become more severe. Advanced mesothelioma often leads to noticeable and debilitating health problems within a shorter time frame.
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Professional Contributors Featured In This Article
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Dr. Jacques Fontaine is a thoracic surgeon at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, where he heads up the Mesothelioma Research and Treatment Center. He specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery and aggressive surgeries for mesothelioma.
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