Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin tissue that lines some internal organs.
It most often develops in the pleura, the tissue that lines the chest cavity and lungs. It can also form in the peritoneum (tissue lining the abdomen) or pericardium (tissue lining the heart).
Symptoms often vary depending on where the cancer starts, but the most common signs include chest pain and shortness of breath.
The pleura in the chest cavity is the most common place for mesothelioma to develop. Pleural mesothelioma is often caused by exposure to a mineral called asbestos, which is used in insulation and building products. People who work in demolition, home repair and remodeling are at the highest risk of exposure to asbestos.
When you repeatedly inhale asbestos fibers, they travel to the lungs and irritate the pleura. This irritation can lead to inflammation and damage. When damaged, cells can mutate and develop into cancer cells.
Cancer that develops in the pleura can cause fluid to build up in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This fluid buildup makes breathing difficult. When a cancerous tumor grows and presses on the nerves in the chest, it can cause pain.
Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Lower back pain
- Hoarseness
- Persistent dry cough
- Swallowing problems
- A feeling that something is stuck in your throat
- Swelling on the face and hands
The second most common site of mesothelioma is peritoneumthe tissue that lines the stomach. Repeated inhalation of asbestos fibers can irritate the peritoneum, leading to mesothelioma.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Prison
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blockage of the small intestine
Mesothelioma in pericardium around the heart is very rare, but exposure to asbestos can lead to irritation and damage to the pericardium.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma may include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- A murmur in the heart
While the symptoms of mesothelioma tend to vary depending on where the cancer started (in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium), they share some common symptoms. All types of mesothelioma can cause:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Unintentional weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Blood clots
Mesothelioma is not a common type of cancer, and the number of cases is decreasing. Although mesothelioma is possible in children, it is extremely rare. About 2-5% of people with mesothelioma are diagnosed before the age of 20.
Mesothelioma symptoms in children are the same as in adults, and the earliest signs may be chest pain and shortness of breath.
Although mesothelioma is not contagious, your risk may increase if you live with people who work with asbestos.
Workers exposed to asbestos include certain factory workers, miners, insulation installers, shipbuilders, plumbers, and construction workers. People who work with materials that contain asbestos have a significantly increased risk of mesothelioma.
Family members of people exposed to asbestos are also at increased risk. People exposed in the workplace can carry asbestos fibers in their clothing, which can also expose their family members. If you or a loved one works in an area with possible exposure to asbestos, ask your doctor what you can do to reduce your risk of developing mesothelioma.
Many cases of mesothelioma do not cause symptoms until the advanced stage, making early diagnosis and treatment more challenging.
It is important to see your doctor as soon as you develop symptoms that may indicate mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath or chest pain. These symptoms should never be ignored. When you see your primary care doctor, they may refer you to an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the thin tissue that lines some internal organs in the body. The most common site of mesothelioma is the pleura, the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs.
Mesothelioma symptoms often depend on where the cancer first started. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and loss of appetite.