What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma causes a buildup of tumor tissue surrounding the lung and fluid in the pleural space that prevents the lungs from moving easily and expanding naturally. Pressure on the lungs caused by this build up leads to pain and shortness of breath; two of the most common symptoms.

An individual with pleural mesothelioma may also experience:

- Difficulty swallowing
- A persistent cough
- Coughing up blood
- Fever
- Sweating
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Back pain
- Pneumonia

An individual with peritoneal mesothelioma may experience:

- Pain or swelling of the abdomen
- Swelling of the feet
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Hernia
- Difficult bowel movements
- Fluid in the abdominal cavity
- Chest pain

An individual with pericardial mesothelioma may suffer with the following symptoms:

- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent coughing
- Chest or heart palpitations

Experiencing some of these symptoms does not mean someone has mesothelioma; only a doctor can make such a diagnosis after tissue has been stained or examined. In order to get a definitive diagnosis, a needle biopsy may be performed to allow for the examination of potentially cancerous tissue.