Mesothelioma: Warning Signs and Symptoms

While there is still much about mesothelioma that researchers are trying to understand, one thing is clear: The major risk factor is asbestos exposure. The deadly cancer—almost always caused by inhaling asbestos fibers—can take years, even decades, to develop.

But make no mistake. Mesothelioma is among the most aggressive of cancers, and even the most advanced, radical treatments typically add just months to a patient’s life expectancy. The disease is preventable—given proper warnings, safety precautions, and adherence to strict asbestos regulations—which makes a mesothelioma diagnosis even more tragic.
While symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear for 20, 30, or more years after asbestos exposure, the first signs typically follow a common pattern. These symptoms can include:
•    Shortness of breath
•    Coughing, wheezing, or hoarseness
•    Pain in chest
•    Weight loss
•    Abdominal swelling
•    Bowel obstruction
•    Anemia
•    Fatigue
•    Fever
•    Blood clotting abnormalities
Mesothelioma strikes the protective lining that covers many of the body’s internal organs, including the stomach and the heart. If the cancer has spread beyond these linings, symptoms can also include trouble swallowing and swelling of the neck or face.