Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is cancer that forms in the mesothelium, or membrane, of various organs, such as the lungs, heart, and digestive system. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on where cancer develops. General symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and fatigue.
Medically Reviewed By:
Patricia Shelton, M.D.
- Page Last Updated:
- July 17, 2023
Medically Reviewed By:Patricia Shelton, M.D.
- Page Last Updated:
- July 17, 2023
In general, the symptoms of mesothelioma are nonspecific, which means that similar symptoms are also caused by many other diseases. This can complicate the process of mesothelioma diagnosis.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
Malignant pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, which is a membrane that surrounds the lungs. Common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
Dyspnea (shortness of breath).
This may occur due to the space that the cancer takes up in the chest, which can put pressure on the airways or on the lungs themselves, leaving less room for air movement. It may also be due to a pleural effusion, which is a buildup of fluid around the lungs that restricts their ability to fill with air.