What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that starts in mesothelial cells, which make up the lining around certain body parts. Also known as malignant mesothelioma, this cancer usually occurs in people exposed to asbestos, but symptoms may not develop until 10-50 years later.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue in the lining of the lungs. But the cancer can develop in other areas of the body, too. There are only about 3,000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the United States.
What are mesothelioma symptoms?
Mesothelioma symptoms can vary depending on where in the body the cancer starts to grow, and it may take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. At first, your symptoms may be similar to other common conditions, like flu or pneumonia. One common symptom of mesothelioma is pleural effusion, fluid buildup in the pleural lining of the chest. You may also have symptoms that affect the whole body, such as fatigue.
Common mesothelioma symptoms
As mesothelioma starts to grow, it can affect nearby organs, causing many different symptoms:
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Fluid around the lungs, abdomen, heart or testicles
- Chest, back, rib, abdomen or testicular pain
- Dry cough and hoarseness
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Swelling in the face, arms or legs
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
When to see a doctor
If you have a history of asbestos exposure, it’s important to pay attention to any signs of mesothelioma. Symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain or frequent infections could be caused by mesothelioma. If you have any ongoing symptoms or something feels off, schedule a visit with your doctor.
Mesothelioma causes
Mesothelioma occurs when abnormal cells in the lining of the lungs, heart, abdomen or testes start to grow rapidly. We don’t fully understand why this happens with mesothelioma, but doctors know some factors that may put you more at risk.
The majority of mesothelioma cases—about 80% —are linked to asbestos exposure. But other factors like your environment, health history, lifestyle or genetics could also play a role in causing mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma risk factors
Knowing your risk of mesothelioma and its symptoms means that you and your healthcare team can be proactive in detecting any signs of the disease. While some risk factors may be out of your control, there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
