Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the lining that covers the outer surface of some of the body's organs. It's usually linked to asbestos exposure. It mainly affects the lining of the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), although it can also affect the lining of the tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma), heart or testicles.
Symptoms
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- a high temperature (fever) and sweating, particularly at night
- a persistent cough
- loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- clubbed (swollen) fingertips
Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the tummy include:
- tummy pain or swelling
- feeling or being sick
- loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- diarrhea or constipation
Diagnosis
- an X-ray of your chest or tummy
- a CT scan
- fluid drainage
- a thoracoscopy or laparoscopy
Treatment
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgery
