Main symptoms of mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type you have and the area of your body affected.
In most people, mesothelioma affects the lining of their lungs (pleural mesothelioma). In some people, it affects the lining of their tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma).
Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- a cough that does not go away
- difficulty swallowing
- a hoarse voice
- a high temperature
- sweating heavily at night
- feeling very tired (fatigue)
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- curved nails over rounded fingertips (clubbing)
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
- tummy pain
- a swollen tummy
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
- diarrhoea or constipation
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have the symptoms of mesothelioma and think you've come into contact with and breathed in asbestos over a long period of time.
Important
Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have mesothelioma, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
What happens at your GP appointment
The GP will ask about your symptoms and work history. They may gently feel any areas that are painful or swollen, and listen to your lungs.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
The specialist you see will depend on your symptoms. If your lungs are affected, you'll see a respiratory specialist. If you have abdominal symptoms, you'll see a gastroenterologist.