Presenting Symptoms

Early signs of pleural mesothelioma can mimic other diseases, often resulting in delays in presentation and diagnosis. This raises the importance of considering asbestos exposure in patients that present with some or all of these symptoms.

• Shortness of breath on exertion
• Chest pain (pleuritic/non-pleuritic)
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Persistent cough
• Diaphoresis, especially at night
• Fatigue and lethargy

Patients usually present to their treating GP or Emergency Department to have symptoms explored and managed.

Initial clinical and radiological examination involves a chest X-Ray that commonly reveals a pleural effusion requiring drainage. Thoracentesis may be required to drain the pleural effusion. Patients will usually notice immediate relief from breathlessness but invariably the fluid reaccumulates over the coming weeks, necessitating further drainage and/or surgical intervention.