Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where the cancer occurs.Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue that surrounds the lungs, causing signs and symptoms may include:Chest pain under the rib cagepainful coughbreathlessnessUnusual lumps of tissue under the skin on the chestUnexplained weight lossPeritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in the tissue in the abdomen, causing signs and symptoms may include:abdominal painabdominal swellingPieces of tissue in the abdomenUnexplained weight lossOther forms of mesotheliomaThe signs and symptoms of other types of mesothelioma are not clear, since these forms of the disease are very rare. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the tissue that surrounds the heart, may cause signs and symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain. Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis, which affects the tissue surrounding the testicles, can first be detected as a swelling or mass on a testicle.When to see a doctorConsult your doctor if you have signs and symptoms that might indicate mesothelioma. Signs and symptoms of mesothelioma are not specific to this disease, and because of the rarity of mesothelioma, are more likely to be related to other conditions. If persistent signs and symptoms seem unusual or bothersome, ask your doctor to evaluate. Tell your doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos fibers.
