In severe cases, the person may have many tumor masses. The individual may develop a pneumothorax, or collapse of the lung. The disease may metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body.

Tumors that affect the abdominal cavity often do not cause symptoms until they are at a late stage. Symptoms include:

- abdominal pain

- ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

- a mass in the abdomen

- problems with bowel function

- weight loss

In severe cases of the disease, the following signs and symptoms may be present:

- blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis

- disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs

- jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin

- low blood sugar level

- pleural effusion

- pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs

- severe ascites

A mesothelioma does not usually spread to the bone, brain, or adrenal glands. Pleural tumors are usually found only on one side of the lungs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made like tuberculosis, heart failure).

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