Mesothelioma Symptoms

For over three decades, our firm has provided representation to clients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma. Learn how our attorneys can help you and your family by scheduling a free consultation with our firm.

Free Consultation

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Do You Know What to Look For If You’re at Risk of Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or (more rarely) swallowed, they tend to linger in the body and may settle in the tissues that line the respiratory and digestive tracts. Decades later—between 30-50 years, in most cases—someone who has been exposed to asbestos may begin to develop mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and unfortunately there is no cure. Around 3,000 Americans are diagnosed with the condition each year. However, because it is both uncommon and difficult to diagnose, many mesothelioma sufferers do not receive the correct diagnosis right away. For this reason, it’s good to know the symptoms if you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos. The sooner you can get a diagnosis, the more can be done to fight the disease.

Do you think you have mesothelioma, or just get a diagnosis? Our attorneys are here to answer questions about your legal rights and how you may be able to file for compensation. Contact us at (888) 495-1250—we’re based in Texas but serve clients nationwide.

Typical Symptoms of Mesothelioma

The symptoms caused by mesothelioma are rather common complaints, meaning they can be easily confused with signs of another health issue. They include:

Fever: A persistent fever may occur due to the body's immune response to the cancer.
Night Sweats or Unusual Sweating: Excessive sweating, particularly at night, can be a symptom of mesothelioma. This can be related to the body trying to fight off the cancer.
Weakness: General weakness and fatigue are common as the body's resources are diverted to fighting the cancer, leaving less energy for normal activities.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss without trying can occur because cancer cells consume a large amount of the body's energy.
Loss of Appetite: A reduced desire to eat can accompany weight loss and is a common symptom in many types of cancer, including mesothelioma.
Blood Clots: Mesothelioma can increase the risk of blood clots forming in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
Malaise (Feeling Generally Unwell): A general sense of discomfort or uneasiness is common and may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea): Shortness of breath is common, especially with pleural mesothelioma, due to fluid buildup around the lungs or tumor growth.
Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis): Coughing up blood can occur in advanced stages of pleural mesothelioma.
Swelling of the Face and Arms: Swelling can be caused by pressure from tumors on veins and lymph nodes.
Lumps Under the Skin: Lumps of tissue under the skin of the chest or abdomen may be noticeable as the disease progresses.
Hoarseness: A hoarse voice or difficulty speaking can occur if tumors press on the laryngeal nerve.
Persistent Cough: A chronic cough that does not go away can be a symptom, especially in pleural mesothelioma.
Bowel Obstruction: In cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, tumors can cause bowel obstruction, leading to severe pain and digestive issues.
Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can result from gastrointestinal issues related to peritoneal mesothelioma.
Anemia: A reduction in red blood cells can lead to fatigue, paleness, and general weakness.
Chest Pain: Persistent or worsening pain in the chest, often caused by tumor growth or fluid buildup.
Irregular Heartbeat: Also known as arrhythmia, this can occur particularly with pericardial mesothelioma due to pressure on the heart.
Pleural Effusion: Fluid accumulation in the pleural space around the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing, chest pain, and coughing.

Often, it can take months between the onset of symptoms and a mesothelioma diagnosis.

We Put Our Clients First

Decades of Experience & a Passion for Justice

Nationwide Representation
Regardless of where you and your family reside, we can provide legal assistance. We often fly out to meet our clients in person for their peace of mind and wellbeing.
Representing Mesothelioma Clients Since 1992
We've continuously evolved our practice with changes in pathology, medicine, and the legal space. We know exactly how to approach these cases and how to help our clients get the best possible result.
Taking Our Time With Every Case We Take
Unlike other firms that focus on volume, we truly are selective with the cases we take on so that we can give our clients the time, attention, and resources they deserve.
Direct Communication With Your Attorney
Whether you need an update on your case or simply need to talk, our attorneys often provide their direct cell phone numbers to our clients for transparency and ease of access.

Making Sure Our Clients Are Taken Care Of

Recent Case Results & Verdicts

The amounts listed below are net to client after the deduction for attorney fees and expenses.

Construction Worker Diagnosed with Mesothelioma $3,665,000
(net to client) A man was diagnosed with mesothelioma at age 70. He was a construction worker who later owned his own company.
Jury Verdict for Aircraft Mechanic with Mesothelioma $3,625,000
(net to client) This case went to trial against one of the asbestos pipe insulation manufacturers and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.
Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker $2,866,000
(net to client) This case went to trial and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.
Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker $2,653,000
(net to client) This case went to trial and was settled after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.
Jury Verdict for Refinery Worker with Mesothelioma $2,450,000
(net to client) This case was tried to a verdict and was settled at a later date after a jury rendered a verdict in favor of our client.

Symptoms by Type of Mesothelioma

Depending on where the mesothelioma has started, a patient may experience various symptoms in that part of the body. There are 4 types of mesothelioma, though pleural mesothelioma is the most common by far. Here’s the symptoms you might experience for each one.

Pleural Mesothelioma

This type of mesothelioma affects the membrane surrounding the lungs, and may therefore have noticeable affects on a patient’s breathing. Symptoms might include:

Chest or lower back pain
Shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Pleural effusion (buildup of fluids around the lungs)
Hoarseness
Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
Dysphagia (difficulty eating)
Swollen face and/or arms

Not all of these symptoms will present equally. For instance, dysphagia tends to be a later complication. Therefore, even if you don’t meet every item on this list, it might be a good idea to bring up mesothelioma with your doctor.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The second most common form of mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the tissue that lines your abdomen. Patients with this type of cancer may experience symptoms like:

Abdominal pain and swelling
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Anemia
Ascites (buildup of fluid in the abdominal area)

In more developed cases of peritoneal mesothelioma, a patient may also experience bowel obstruction.

Mesothelioma of the Tunica Vaginalis (Testicles)

Also a rare form of the cancer, mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis seems to have few symptoms. Patients may notice a mass on their testicle or experience swelling and/or pain.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Because this form of mesothelioma, which affects the membrane that surrounds the heart, is a rare form (less than 5% of cases), not as much is known about it. However, it has been linked with symptoms including:

Abnormal heart rhythm
Heart murmur
Chest pain
Low blood pressure
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing

Getting a Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Most doctors will never deal with a case of mesothelioma in the course of their career, which is why our firm turns to specialists for help or a second opinion. The diagnosis process has many steps. You can expect your doctor to conduct:

A physical exam for lumps or other abnormalities
Imaging (such as an X-ray or CT scan) of the affected area

However, the only way to establish whether you have the cancer is a biopsy. Your doctor can advise you on the best way to move forward with this process.

We Help Mesothelioma Patients

We understand how scary it can be for you or a loved one to receive a mesothelioma diagnosis. Our team has been helping people in your position for more than 2 decades, and in that time, we’ve realized you need so much more than just an attorney on your side. You need an experienced team who can anticipate your questions and concerns and provide you with answers. You need proactive counsel who can help you deal with issues like medical liens and other complex financial arrangements that may be a part of receiving coverage. And, you need someone who supports you and is 100% on your side.

Call (888) 495-1250 or reach out online for trusted mesothelioma support and guidance tailored to your needs—let our experienced team help you today!

We're Here When
You're Ready

Given the vast number of mesothelioma cases and the cost of medical care, these trusts do not have nearly enough funding for all the victims who have come forward. This is why working with a lawyer is important to help represent your best interest and fight for what you deserve. To get started, please reach out to our team today.

Contact Our Firm

Common Misdiagnoses of Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms closely resemble those of more common illnesses. This can delay proper treatment and reduce the effectiveness of available therapies. If you are researching mesothelioma symptoms or wondering, "Do you know what to look for if you’re at risk of mesothelioma?", understanding these common misdiagnoses is crucial.

Conditions Commonly Mistaken for Mesothelioma

Doctors frequently misdiagnose mesothelioma as one of the following conditions:

Pneumonia: Both diseases can present with shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs). On chest X-rays, fluid buildup from mesothelioma may be mistaken for pneumonia, especially if a history of asbestos exposure is not considered.
Lung Cancer (Adenocarcinoma): Mesothelioma and lung adenocarcinoma can both cause chest pain, cough, and pleural effusion. Their clinical presentations and even some imaging findings can be nearly identical, making differentiation challenging without specialized testing.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Emphysema: These chronic lung diseases also share symptoms such as persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
Influenza (Flu): Early symptoms like fatigue, cough, and fever may lead to a misdiagnosis of the flu.
Recurrent Pleural Effusion: Doctors may treat the fluid buildup without recognizing the underlying cause as mesothelioma.
Interstitial Lung Disease: In some cases, mesothelioma can masquerade as long-term lung diseases related to recurring pneumonia.
Ovarian Cancer (in women): About 33% of women with pleural mesothelioma were initially misdiagnosed with ovarian cancer due to overlapping tumor markers and vague symptoms.

Misdiagnosis rates are significant: up to 14% in developed countries and as high as 50% in developing countries.

How to Differentiate Mesothelioma from Other Conditions

Differentiating mesothelioma from other conditions requires a thorough approach. A detailed patient history is essential, with a particular focus on asbestos exposure, whether occupational or environmental, especially when symptoms persist despite standard treatments. Persistent symptoms that do not improve with typical treatments for conditions like pneumonia, COPD, or other lung diseases should raise suspicion and prompt further investigation. Diagnostic confirmation goes beyond imaging and often involves advanced pathology and molecular testing to ensure accuracy.

Diagnostic Tools for Symptom Confirmation

Accurate diagnosis of mesothelioma relies on a combination of tests, as no single test can confirm the disease in all cases. If you are wondering how to confirm mesothelioma, these are the key diagnostic tools:

Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can identify tumors, pleural effusions, and other abnormalities. However, imaging alone cannot definitively distinguish mesothelioma from other conditions.
Blood Tests: Certain blood markers may suggest mesothelioma but are not definitive for diagnosis.
Fluid Analysis: Analysis of pleural or abdominal fluid can help, but fluid tests alone are rarely conclusive for mesothelioma.
Biopsy: The gold standard for diagnosis. Only a tissue biopsy—obtained through needle biopsy, thoracoscopy, or surgery—can definitively confirm mesothelioma by allowing pathologists to examine cancer cell types under a microscope.
Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Testing: These advanced laboratory techniques help distinguish mesothelioma from lung cancer and other malignancies, using specific markers and gene expression profiles.

A biopsy is the only way to confirm malignant mesothelioma. Doctors may recommend it if scans or blood tests are inconclusive.

Symptom-Specific Treatments and Palliative Care for Mesothelioma

Managing mesothelioma symptoms effectively is an essential part of improving quality of life, even when a cure is not possible. Treatment plans often focus on relieving discomfort, reducing fluid buildup, supporting nutrition, and maintaining mobility. Here are some approaches commonly used to address specific symptoms:

Pleural Effusion Drainage:

Patients with pleural mesothelioma often experience fluid accumulation around the lungs, known as pleural effusion, which can make breathing difficult. Treatments such as thoracentesis (removing fluid with a needle) or the placement of a pleural catheter can provide immediate relief and improve lung function. In some cases, pleurodesis may be performed to prevent fluid from reaccumulating.

Pain Management:

Chronic pain is common in mesothelioma, particularly in later stages. Pain management may involve prescription medications, nerve blocks, or localized radiation therapy. Doctors may also recommend integrative therapies, including acupuncture or physical therapy, to reduce discomfort and maintain mobility.

Nutritional Support:

Symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and digestive complications, especially in peritoneal mesothelioma, can lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Dietitians may create specialized meal plans and suggest high-calorie supplements to ensure patients receive adequate nutrition. Maintaining proper nutrition can help patients tolerate treatment better and sustain energy levels.

Palliative Care:

Palliative care is designed to improve quality of life for mesothelioma patients, regardless of stage. This comprehensive approach addresses physical, emotional, and psychological needs. Palliative care teams focus on symptom relief—such as controlling pain, managing shortness of breath, reducing fatigue, and providing emotional support for patients and families. Even in advanced stages, palliative care can help patients maintain independence and comfort while continuing other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Secondary Health Issues:

Mesothelioma can cause or worsen other medical problems, which may require additional attention:

Anemia: Reduced red blood cell counts can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Blood transfusions or medications may be needed to manage anemia.

Malnutrition: Difficulty eating or absorbing nutrients can lead to significant weight loss, making nutritional support critical.

Respiratory Failure: Advanced pleural or pericardial mesothelioma can impair breathing, requiring oxygen therapy or ventilatory support.

Fluid Buildup: In addition to pleural effusions, mesothelioma may cause ascites (fluid in the abdomen) or swelling in the extremities, which can be treated with fluid drainage, diuretics, or supportive care.

By addressing symptoms proactively and combining medical care with palliative support, patients can achieve better comfort, mobility, and quality of life throughout their mesothelioma journey.

How an Attorney Can Help with Mesothelioma Cases

If you or a loved one is facing a mesothelioma diagnosis, an experienced attorney can provide support that goes beyond legal advice. They can assist in navigating medical records, ensuring that all relevant imaging, pathology reports, and records are reviewed by mesothelioma specialists to reduce the risk of misdiagnosis.

Many law firms experienced in asbestos litigation also have relationships with top mesothelioma doctors, helping clients access expert care or get a second opinion. Additionally, attorneys can help you understand your legal rights, file claims for compensation, and pursue settlements or verdicts against responsible companies, ensuring you have the resources needed for optimal care.

Throughout the process, they offer comprehensive support, from managing medical liens to maintaining clear communication, making a challenging time a bit easier to navigate.

Contact Us

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
When were you or a loved one diagnosed with mesothelioma or lung cancer?
Please make a selection.
Relationship to diagnosed party
Please make a selection.
Did this work experience occur at any time before 1983?
Please make a selection.
Message
Please enter a message.