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Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of mesothelioma
may not appear until 20 to 50 years after
exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest
due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of
pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss, abdominal
swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal
cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel
obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia and fever. If the cancer
has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may
include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.
These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious
conditions.
Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and
symptoms:
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chest wall pain
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pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
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shortness of breath
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wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual
may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may
metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.
Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms
until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:
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abdominal pain
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ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
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a mass in the abdomen
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problems with bowel function
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weight loss
In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be
present:
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blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
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disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe
bleeding in many body organs
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jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
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low blood sugar level
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pleural effusion
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pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
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severe ascites
A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal
glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.
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