Signs and symptoms

Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms:

· chest wall pain

· pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung

· shortness of breath

· fatigue or anemia

· wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

· blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

· abdominal pain

· ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

· a mass in the abdomen

· problems with bowel ********

· weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

· blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis

· disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs

· jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin

· low blood sugar level

· pleural effusion

· pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs

· severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.