Mesothelioma Symptoms

January 24, 2025

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Jyoti Malhotra, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor, Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research, City of Hope^® Orange County Lennar Foundation Cancer Center; and Jae Y. Kim, M.D., associate professor, Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, City of Hope Cancer Center Duarte

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that most often begins to grow in the tissue around the lungs, chest or abdominal cavity. More rarely, it may start in the lining of the heart or testicles. It may cause symptoms in some patients, but not all.

This guide to mesothelioma symptoms is designed to help patients learn more about this disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Mesothelioma?

When symptoms do occur, they are often nonspecific in nature and may seem like other common conditions. The disease develops slowly. It may take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos (the largest risk factor for mesothelioma).

Patients should always seek medical advice if they notice any unexpected changes to their body.

General symptoms associated with mesothelioma may include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Feeling tired
• Pain and/or bloating in the stomach and abdominal areas
• Chest pain, especially when drawing a deep breath
• Coughing
• Fever
• Sweating
• Blood clots
• Appetite loss

However, more specific symptoms may also occur, depending on the type of mesothelioma and where in the body it begins.

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma starts in the lining of the chest and lungs. It is the most common type of mesothelioma.

The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing
• Facial swelling
• Swelling in the arms
• Difficulties in swallowing
• Pain or discomfort in the lower back or chest
• Hoarseness

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

This rare type of mesothelioma begins in the fluid-filled space that surrounds the heart.

The symptoms most commonly linked to pericardial mesothelioma include:

• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Pain or discomfort in the chest
• Heart murmur (swooshing sounds when blood moves through the heart)

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

This type of mesothelioma is also very rare. It begins in the membrane that lines the inside of the abdomen.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Abdominal swelling
• Fluid buildup in the abdominal area
• Stomach pain

Symptoms of Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma

Tunica vaginalis mesothelioma begins within the male scrotum.

Due to the extreme rarity of this disease, researchers do not yet completely understand it. It is believed that the most common symptoms associated with tunica vaginalis mesothelioma are:

• Swelling in the scrotum
• Hard, uncomfortable mass in the scrotum
• Fluid buildup around the scrotum