Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms

In the early stages of the disease, symptoms are subtle. In the asymptomatic patient, a small buildup of fluid between the lining of the lung and the chest cavity, called a pleural effusion, may be present. Cough and shortness of breath are the most frequent early complaints. Fatigue, weakness and weight loss typically occur later. Pain is also common later in the disease as the tumor invades the chest wall and/or mediastinum (the area in the chest behind the breast bone and in between the two lungs where the heart, major blood vessels, lymph glands, and nerve tissue exist). This type of the disease starts in the chest cavity and can then spread to other parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma sufferers may also begin to display severe breathing difficulty, weight loss and fever as well as trouble swallowing and even swelling of the face and neck. Some patients may also develop a rasping voice and start coughing up blood. However, there are patients that may not have any significant symptoms at all.