Mesothelioma is a unique form of cancer with many distinct hallmarks which make it difficult to diagnose and treat. One of those hallmarks is the disease’s early symptoms, which are generally not specific to the disease and mild. This disease is often mistaken for more common illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. However, because symptoms are frequently ignored or mistaken for less serious conditions, most mesothelioma patients exhibit symptoms of this cancer for several months before positive diagnosis of this cancer occurs.

The American Cancer Society explains that symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, which accounts for about 75 percent of all cases, include the following:

• Lower back or side of the chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Trouble swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Swelling of the face and arms
• Muscle weakness

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, which develops in the abdominal area and makes up the majority of the remaining cases, include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Weight loss
• Nausea and vomiting

The signs and symptoms of other forms of mesothelioma remain unclear. This is because the rarity of these forms has meant doctors have been unable to fully study and understand the signals of these mesothelioma cancer types. However, doctors have found that signs of pericardial mesothelioma, which develops around the heart, can include symptoms like breathing difficulty and chest pain. Testicular mesothelioma, an exceptionally rare manifestation of this cancer, may appear as only a lump on a testicle.  

Latency Period and Symptoms

Unfortunately, mesothelioma exhibits an extremely long latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning the development of these symptoms will not occur until years after first exposure. The accumulation of fibers, buildup of scar tissue and inflammation that leads to cancer occurs gradually. This means patients often remain unaware that health issues which arise are connected to their past asbestos exposure. Furthermore, individuals who are unaware they underwent past asbestos exposure may see the diagnosis of their symptoms as indications of mesothelioma even later.

When mesothelioma symptoms are diagnosed later, this generally means the cancer has had a chance to move into its later stages. Late-stage mesothelioma presents patients with a poorer prognosis and life expectancy, making the diagnosis of these symptoms early on extremely important. Diagnostic techniques may include imaging tests or blood tests, among others. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer which progresses quickly once recognized. Therefore, the stage it appears in represents an important factor to consider when determining a patient’s prognosis.  

References:

American Cancer Society

Mayo Clinic