Features of malignant mesothelioma

Symptoms

People with malignant mesothelioma usually present to their doctors complaining of one or more of the following symptoms:

• Chest pain. This is described as 'non-pleuritic chest pain' and is often referred to the upper abdomen or shoulder (if there is involvement of the diaphragm).
• Shortness of breath (in ~40% of patients). At first this may only occur with exertion.

In addition, malignant mesothelioma produces both general symptoms, and those associated with local invasion or distant spread.