Mesothelioma is a very rare cancer that grows in the lining of some organs. It has a strong link to asbestos exposure. It happens most often in the lungs or abdomen, but it can also happen in the heart or testes. Symptoms depend on where the cancer is and often don’t show up until it’s too late.
People should get medical care and trusted legal guidance after a mesothelioma diagnosis. Early symptoms can look like signs of less serious conditions, which puts off someone from getting proper treatment. Patients who know about the types and their warning signs are more likely to get help sooner. Here are the main types of mesothelioma and the symptoms that go along with them.
Pleural Mesothelioma
This is the most common type, which affects the lining of the lungs. It leads to problems with breathing and the chest.
Some of the most common signs are:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- A dry cough that won’t go away
- Lumps under the chest skin.
People may also lose weight or feel very tired without trying. Some develop face or arm swelling. Night sweats, hoarseness, and trouble swallowing are rare symptoms.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This type affects the lining of the abdomen. It is the second most common type and mostly causes digestive symptoms.
Main symptoms:
- Pain or swelling in the belly
- Swelling due to fluid buildup (ascites)
- Nausea, throwing up, or losing your appetite
- Having blockage in the intestines or constipation
Some people also lose weight or feel tired all the time for no clear reason. When the cancer is more advanced, it can spread and cause other problems, such as jaundice or hernias.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
This very rare form develops in the lining around the heart. This kind of case happens less than 1% of the time.
Some symptoms are:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat or heart murmurs
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
- Fatigue or low blood pressure
Doctors sometimes mistake it for another heart problem. It is sometimes only found during surgery or after the person has died.
Testicular Mesothelioma
This is the rarest type, which starts in the lining of the testicles. It’s not always easy to diagnose early.
Typical signs are:
- A lump in the scrotum
- Testicles that are swollen or painful
- Fluid buildup in the scrotum (hydrocele)
- Hernias or cysts in the testicle area.
People often think that early symptoms are infections or minor injuries. That could put off getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms Shared by All Types
Many people with any type of mesothelioma report having similar general symptoms.
Some of these are:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Having a fever or night sweats
- Loss of weight for no reason
- Loss of appetite
Most of the time, these signs show up when the cancer is further along. If you have been around asbestos, any of these symptoms should be taken very seriously.
It is important to know about these symptoms and how they vary depending on the type. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos, recognizing the early warning signs may help you get treatment on time.