Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects the mesothelium, or the lining, of organs such as the heart, the abdomen and the lungs. It is caused by exposure to asbestos, which can be an occupational hazard for some people. There are four types of mesothelioma, and they are all usually fatal, unless the mesothelioma is benign.

The mesothelioma symptoms in this cancer can be caused by other less serious illnesses as well, and so the mesothelioma could be in a patient’s body long before it is actually diagnosed, which makes its treatment difficult and, at times, ineffective. Most of the symptoms develop many years after the initial exposure to asbestos.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

This is the most occurring form of mesothelioma, and shows the following symptoms:

• Dry, raspy cough with little phlegm
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Having trouble with swallowing
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Tiredness
• Pain in the rib or chest area
• Pain experienced when breathing
• Shortness of breath even while resting
• Lumps appearing under the skin of the chest

These mesothelioma symptoms turn up because the pleural membranes that protect the lungs thicken, and cancerous cells are produced, so that fluid collects in the membrane. This fluid presses down on the lungs, causing respiratory troubles.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma makes up around 30 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses and can show symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss that is unexplained
• Fatigue
• Pain or swelling of the abdomen
• Changes in bowel habits
• Lumps appearing under the skin of the abdomen
• Anaemia
• Nausea and vomiting

Once again, these signs appear due to fluid build up in the membrane lining the abdominal organs. The changes in the composition of the membrane put pressure on the organs, leading to the mesothelioma symptoms.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

This form of mesothelioma is much less common, and only makes up about 5 percent of mesothelioma cases. These mesothelioma symptoms present themselves as a result of the pericardial membrane building up with fluid:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath even while at rest
• Irregular heartbeat and palpitations of the heart
• Fatigue
• Night sweats and fever

The rareness of this form of cancer means that it is extremely difficult to diagnose and therefore has a poor prognosis.

Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms

This type of mesothelioma is so rare that very little is known about it. Less than 100 cases have been found in the past sixty years. The only known mesothelioma symptoms so far are the appearance of testicular lumps that may or may not be painful.

You need to look out for any of these mesothelioma symptoms if you think you may be at risk for this condition due to asbestos exposure. Catching these symptoms early on can mean the difference between life and death, as with any form of cancer, early detection means you are more likely to get a good prognosis.