The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and
may lead to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia,
pleural mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath,
chest pain and/or persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at
all. A chest x-ray may show a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion
(discussed below). The right lung is affected 60% of the time, with
involvement of both lungs being seen in approximately 5% of patients at
the time of diagnosis. Less common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma
include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a build-up of fluid,
nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of the feet.
PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THESE SYMPTOMS MAY BE CAUSED BY
MESOTHELIOMA OR BY OTHER LESS SERIOUS CONDITIONS. ONLY A DOCTOR CAN
MAKE A DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS.