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Are your symptoms mesothelioma?

The Early Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that’s most often linked to asbestos exposure. The disease takes a long time to show up after you’ve been exposed, but once it develops, it usually spreads quickly.

Because it’s easy to overlook symptoms or assume they’re no big deal, many people don’t get diagnosed until the cancer is advanced. If you discover mesothelioma early, you’ll likely have more treatment options.

This guide will help you understand your risks, the symptoms and ways to cope emotionally, financially and with everyday support.

Written by: Lisa Merriam | Medical review by: MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT | Legal review by: Jamie Pfeiffer, JD |

Updated on:Jul 23, 2025

Key mesothelioma information

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer of the blood that affects the lymphatic system, and a diagnosis can have a big impact on the lives of patients and their loved ones. Caregivers manage everything from medications and doctors’ appointments to daily tasks and providing emotional support. You’ll need to deal with a complex healthcare and insurance system, and may also face financial and legal issues.

Providing support for non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients is a marathon, not a sprint, which is why it’s important to take care of your own physical and emotional health. You need to stay strong so you can continue to show up for your loved one, especially on the hard days. When you’re rested, supported and emotionally steady, it will be easier for you to provide the care and comfort they need.

  1. Mesothelioma is a rare condition, affecting 1 out of 100,000 people or about 2,800 people each year in the United States.

  2. Mesothelioma is aggressive once it forms, with a 5-year relative survival rate ranging from 7% to 24%.

  3. Shortness of breath, a cough that won’t go away, chest pains and weight loss are common symptoms.

  4. It takes years for mesothelioma to form and appear, with the average age at diagnosis being 72 years.

  5. Most mesothelioma cases are linked to asbestos exposure. Between 70% and 80% of people with the disease breathed or swallowed asbestos fibers, often at work.

Find out if your mesothelioma was caused by exposure to a dangerous product

“Mesothelioma is often linked to past exposure to asbestos or asbestos-contaminated products, sometimes from decades ago. Two of the most common ways people with mesothelioma get exposed to asbestos are by working with asbestos on the job or using talcum powder contaminated with asbestos fibers. If you’ve been diagnosed, you may be able to seek compensation from the companies responsible.”

Learn more about the connection between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos and talcum powder:

— Jamie Pfeiffer, JD, Medical Contributor
Explore Asbestos Risks
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, called the pleura, or the tissue that surrounds the organs in your belly, called the peritoneum. Though not always the case, most individuals with the disease have been exposed to asbestos fibers in the air or drinking water.
Mesothelioma can grow quietly for years before it starts to show signs. Even when you have symptoms, they can easily be confused for signs of less serious diseases, like the common cold. Unfortunately, if mesothelioma isn’t discovered early, it is more difficult to manage. Doctors treat mesothelioma with surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. These treatments work best when the disease is found early.

Mesothelioma in the body.

More information about mesothelioma

Diagnosed with mesothelioma
Newly diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Diagnosed with mesothelioma

From discussing treatment options to setting up a personalized treatment and care plan, learn more about what happens after a mesothelioma diagnosis.

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Dealing with the costs of mesothelioma
Mesothelioma financial help.

Dealing with the costs of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatments are expensive, but you may have financial options. This may include compensation from those responsible for your asbestos exposure.

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Caring for someone with mesothelioma
Support for someone with mesothelioma.

Caring for someone with mesothelioma

Has a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? See how you can provide emotional support and encouragement, help with managing medical appointments and offer support with daily needs.

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Early warning signs of mesothelioma

Mesothelioma early symptom.

Knowing the early signs of mesothelioma can lead to a faster diagnosis and a potentially better outcome. The symptoms are easy to overlook or misdiagnose. If you have these symptoms and know you may have been exposed to asbestos, ask your doctor for a deeper medical evaluation.

Mesothelioma may be in the lining of the lungs if you suffer from shortness of breath or chest pain. For example, you may feel like you can't catch your breath after doing something simple, like walking across the room. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, fluid in your lungs or lumps in the chest area.--
Mesothelioma may be in your belly if you feel pain in that area, notice swelling or suffer from diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite or weight or feel a blockage in your digestive system.

Other general symptoms include anemia, low blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, fever, night sweats and a general feeling of being unwell.

Even if you have no mesothelioma symptoms, you should talk to your healthcare professional if you think you’ve been exposed to asbestos. This way, you can both be on the lookout for signs of the disease.

What are the most common mesothelioma symptoms?

Most common symptoms of mesothelioma.

To recap, general symptoms of mesothelioma include:

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • An unexplained fever

  • Night sweats

  • Feeling generally unwell or not quite yourself

  • Weakness or tiring quickly

Signs of mesothelioma of the chest

Breathing in asbestos particles is the most common type of exposure. This can lead to mesothelioma in your heart or lungs. The symptoms include:

  • Constantly struggling for breath, worsening over time

  • Pain in the side of your chest

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Chest congestion or coughing up fluid

  • Unexplained lumps in your chest area

  • Dizziness and other effects of low blood pressure when you stand up quickly

  • Your heartbeat speeds up or slows down for no reason

Symptoms of mesothelioma in the belly

If you have mesothelioma in your abdomen, you may experience:

  • Pain in your belly

  • Bloating and fluid collecting in your belly area

  • Diarrhea that won’t go away

  • Nausea and frequent vomiting

  • Low appetite and weight loss

  • Digestion issues, like your digestive system feeling blocked

  • Low red blood cell count, a symptom called anemia

Who does mesothelioma affect?

What causes mesothelioma?

Most cases of mesothelioma are linked to asbestos exposure. This means the people who are most likely to get this kind of cancer are those who were exposed to asbestos fibers. The most common way to get exposed is from work environments where asbestos is used. Some of the main factors that influence your risk of developing mesothelioma include your:

  • Work history. Your risk may be increased if you or a family member worked in construction, shipbuilding or the U.S. Navy, mining, firefighting, insulation manufacturing or installation, automotive repair, particularly around brake linings, or other manufacturing settings.

  • Age. Mesothelioma takes years to develop, so most people who get diagnosed are over age 65.

  • Gender. Because men outnumber women in at-risk job types, men are more likely to get mesothelioma through work. However, family members may experience secondary exposure from contaminated work clothes or other materials being brought into their home.

  • Medical history. Exposure to high-dose radiation therapy in the chest or stomach may increase your risk of getting mesothelioma.

  • Genetic traits. Some people inherit certain genetic mutations that can increase their mesothelioma risk.

  • Use of talc-containing products. Talcum powder has been linked to asbestos contamination. This increases the risk for women who have used it for a long time.

Could past exposure to a dangerous product be linked to your mesothelioma?

“Medical research has shown a strong connection between mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos or asbestos-contaminated talcum powder. Because the exposure often happened many years ago, most people are unaware of the risks they faced. You may have the option to explore legal action and get compensation.”

Learn more about how asbestos and talcum powder have been linked to mesothelioma:

— MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT, Licensed Respiratory Therapist
Explore Asbestos Risks
Explore Talcum Powder Risks

How do you get mesothelioma?

Who is most likely to get mesothelioma?

Many cases of mesothelioma are linked to breathing or swallowing asbestos particles. Most people encounter asbestos at work, particularly in these jobs:

  • Construction and skilled workers: You can be exposed while installing insulation containing asbestos, being around insulated pipes or working with fire-resistant roofing materials.

  • Miners: Asbestos is common in mineral deposits of zeolites, talcum and other minerals.

  • Military: Service members working on ships, in shipyards or at other military facilities may be at higher risk of exposure.

  • Firefighters: Asbestos is often present in burning buildings and in fireproof clothing.

  • Mechanics: Working on brakes and installing brake pads can put mechanics at particularly high risk.

  • Manufacturing: Working with products made using asbestos or in facilities that contain asbestos can increase your exposure risk.

People who work in these industries can also carry asbestos particles home on their clothing and tools, exposing their family members and others to the harmful particles.

How is mesothelioma treated?

Your treatment plan depends on the location of your mesothelioma, how advanced your cancer is and your overall state of health. If your cancer is found early, doctors may be able to surgically remove it.

Usually, chemotherapy drugs are used to target and shrink tumors. Radiation can also be used to target and kill cancer cells. A newer form of treatment for mesothelioma is immunotherapy. It uses your own immune system to identify, attack and kill mesothelioma cells.

You don’t have to be the primary caregiver to support a friend or family member with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. From helping with practical, everyday tasks to providing emotional support, there are many thoughtful ways that you can help. Ideas include:

  • Bring a home-cooked meal or deliver groceries.

  • Offer to run errands like picking up prescriptions.

  • Help around the house with cleaning, laundry or yardwork.

  • Take care of pets and babysit children.

  • Visit or call, and if you can’t do that, send cards from time to time.

  • Drive your loved one to appointments.

FAQs

  • At what age is mesothelioma most common?

    Most people are not diagnosed with mesothelioma until after age 65, with the average age at diagnosis being 72. The time it takes for mesothelioma to form and develop is called the latency period. This period can be between 20 and 71 years from the time of exposure to diagnosis. That’s why mesothelioma is more common in older individuals.

  • How does mesothelioma begin?

    Mesothelioma usually begins to develop years after you breathe in or swallow asbestos fibers. These tiny, sharp fibers get stuck in your lung tissue or the lining of your abdomen. This irritates the tissues, leading to inflammation and damaged cells.

    Your body cannot break these fibers down, so the inflammation they cause can never heal. Instead, the damage to your cells leads to the growth of scar tissue and may cause mesothelioma cancer cells to develop over time.

  • Can you get mesothelioma without being exposed to asbestos?

    Some people with mesothelioma had no known exposure to asbestos, but this is uncommon. About 20% of mesothelioma patients have no proven exposure to asbestos at all. In these individuals, it’s possible that an inherited genetic mutation, exposure to radiation or another unknown factor caused the disease.

Meet the experts behind the article

Lisa Merriam
Lisa Merriam

Written by:

Lisa Merriam

Lisa Merriam is an experienced copywriter specializing in medical content, combining technical precision with clarity to ensure articles are accessible and accurate.

Read more
MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT
MaryAnn DePietro

Medical review by:

MaryAnne DePietro B.S. CRT

MaryAnn DePietro is a licensed respiratory therapist with over 18 years of clinical experience in critical care, emergency medicine, and pulmonary rehabilitation. With a strong background in patient care and medical writing, MaryAnn provides a valuable medical perspective for reviewing health-related articles.

Read more
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD
Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Legal review by:

Jamie Pfeiffer, JD

Jamie L. Pfeiffer is a retired attorney with extensive experience litigating large-scale asbestos and toxic tort cases in Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. She brings a wealth of legal expertise to reviewing articles about toxic exposure and legal accountability in mass torts.

Read more