Patients with mesothelioma may have shadows on their chest x-rays related to asbestosis , though the development of chest pain, significant shortness of breath and especially fluid around one lung or in the abdomen should suggest a diagnosis of mesothelioma. People with peritoneal mesothelioma usually have signs of advanced disease, including an abdominal mass, pain, fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and weight loss.
If the tumor has extended to the ribs, bones, nerves and the superior vena cave, common symptoms include pain, trouble swallowing, nerve compression syndromes or swelling of the neck or face.
Involvement of the membrane around the heart (pericardium) may cause heart rhythm disturbances. Tumors in the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) may extend to produce bowel obstruction. Fever, clotting abnormalities, thrombophlebitis and anemia have also been seen in a large number of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
