Many years will pass between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma, as the disease typically has a long latency period. In fact, mesothelioma patients generally do not develop symptoms until several decades after the initial asbestos exposure. Because mesothelioma symptoms mimic those of less serious conditions, many patients who develop mesothelioma are unaware of their potentially life-threatening cancer.

Individuals who were exposed to asbestos should schedule an appointment with their doctors to screen for asbestos-related diseases. Because mesothelioma does not present early symptoms, individuals who were in contact with asbestos should inform their physician of their exposure. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure but are not exhibiting signs of the disease should receive pulmonary function tests or chest x-rays to screen for any indications of asbestos-related diseases.

The most common type of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma forms in the lining of the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma symptoms can include the following: chest or rib pain; shortness of breath; persistent dry or raspy cough; trouble swallowing; cough that produces blood; painful breathing; night sweats/fever; and unexplained weight loss. Lumps under the skin of the chest and fatigue have also been reported in patients with pleural mesothelioma. Many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma develop due to pleural thickening, which is caused by fluid buildup between membrane layers. Pleural thickening and fluid buildup can put pressure on the lungs, causing respiratory problems.

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen and makes up approximately 30% of all mesothelioma cases. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include swelling or pain in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting and a change in bowel habits. Peritoneal mesothelioma can also cause night sweats, fever, unexplained weight loss, anemia, fatigue and lumps under the skin of the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma develop due to the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and fluid buildup between the membrane layers. This can put pressure on the abdomen and its organs, causing the patient to experience symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma.

The rarest form of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma forms in the sac surrounding the heart. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain, heart palpitations, fatigue, trouble breathing, night sweats and fever. These symptoms are caused by the thickening of the pericardial membrane and fluid buildup. Because pericardial mesothelioma is uncommon, its list of symptoms is not as developed as other forms of mesothelioma. Pericardial mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose and typically carries a poor outlook for its patients.

Those experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma should seek medical attention immediately. Although a number of less serious diseases have similar symptoms, it's important to receive a firm diagnosis as soon as possible. While the overall prognosis for mesothelioma is poor, those diagnosed in the earlier stages typically have a better outlook.