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    Mesothelioma Symptoms and Diagnosis

    Mesothelioma Symptoms
    In its early stages, mesothelioma does not have many symptoms. When symptoms do develop, they are often caused by the cancer growing and pressing on a nerve or other body organ.

    The symptoms of the 2 main types of mesothelioma are different.

    The symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are

    - Pain in the lower back or the side of the chest

    - A persistent cough

    - Shortness of breath

    - A hoarse or husky voice

    - Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting

    - Sweating and fevers

    - Difficulty swallowing

    The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are

    - Pain in the abdomen (tummy)

    - Swelling in the abdomen

    - Feeling or being sick

    - Poor appetite

    - Losing more than 10% of your weight when not dieting

    - Diarrhoea or constipation

    These symptoms are all more likely to be caused by some other illness, rather than by mesothelioma. But if you have these symptoms, see your doctor. This is particularly important if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past.

    The most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are difficulty in breathing, chest pain, or both. Occasionally, a patient may not have symptoms at diagnosis. Other less common symptoms include weight loss, fever, night sweats, cough, and a general feeling of not being well. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include swelling, pain due to accumulation of fluid in the abdomen cavity, weight loss, and a mass in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia (a lowered red blood cell count), and fever.