Due to the generic nature of mesothelioma symptoms they are usually ignored in most cases. Symptoms of mesothelioma are akin to those of other common diseases. Moreover, studies have concluded that patients would not develop symptoms of mesothelioma till much later in their life, ranging from about 20 to 40 years and thus not that many patients associate the symptoms to something that happened to them that long ago.

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the protective linings of internal organs. These linings include:

• Pericardium: a sac holding the heart;

• Peritoneum: the lining of the abdominal cavity; and

• Pleura: the outer lining surrounding the lungs and chest cavity.

Due to the special nature and functions of each of these organs the symptoms of mesothelioma affecting them can vary. Some of these symptoms are very rare where as others may be severe. Therefore, it is suggested to visit a doctor if any of the symptoms exist.

Furthermore, if mesothelioma is detected at an early stage the chances of curing it are high.

The following are mesothelioma symptoms categorized by type.

Pericardium Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Irregular breathing patterns

• Chest pain

• Unusual heart beating

• Coughing

• Shortness of breath

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Vomiting

• Weight Loss

• Abdominal pain

• Fever

• Bowel obstruction

• Hernia

• Swelling or mass accumulation in the abdomen

• Blood clots

• Nausea

Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Fever

• Pleural effusions (accumulation of fluid in the lung lining)

• Coughing up blood

• Pain in chest

• Excessive coughing

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Paralysis

• Hoarseness

• Shortness of breath

• Back pain

• Weight loss

• Swelling

• Problems in swallowing

A pleural mesothelioma may result in lung cancer or pneumothorax but only in severe cases and on the other hand some patients might not exhibit any symptoms at all.

Other minor diseases have similar symptoms as mesothelioma but if identified soon enough these can help cure mesothelioma cancer at an early stage. You need to remember that the existence of mesothelioma can only be confirmed by a doctor and he does so by examining asbestos exposure history, medical reports, MRI and/or CT scan and in some cases a needle biopsy.

If you feel that you may have mesothelioma, you need to see your doctor or health professional as soon as possible. Any delay may hurt your chances of survival and making a full recovery. The sooner you go to your doctor and get checked out, the sooner the doctors can start to help you recover or feel more comfortable.