Mesothelioma does not expose any symptoms in the earlier stage and when symptoms begin to appear, they are not specific. Generally, chest pain, persistent cough and breathlessness appear as earlier symptoms and it is because of the accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. At this stage, x-ray reveals the pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the pleura).  In most of the mesothelioma cases one side of the lung is involved and rarely both lungs are included. The pleural (pleura is the serous membrane investing the lungs and lining the walls of the thoracic cavity) effusion causes fever and night sweating. Weight loss is also a common symptom in all forms of mesothelioma. Wheezing and hoarseness of voice also are seen in certain cases. Even hemoptysis (spitting of blood or of blood stained sputum) occurs both in pericardial and pleural mesothelioma. Pain, fatigue, weight loss and anemia are common symptoms in all forms.

In peritoneal mesothelioma the symptoms are comprised of (ascites) abdominal fluid accumulation or retention, abdominal pain, distention of abdomen, specific modification or changes in the bowel habit (diarrhea or constipation), frequent digestive disorder, even swelling in the feet.

The common symptoms in all forms of mesothelioma are weight loss by low food intake and by the transfer of nutrient from normal cells to abnormal cells of mesothelioma. Anemia appears in all forms due to reduction in the number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin level. Pain is the most common symptoms for all due trigger of pain receptors in the diseased organs. Fatigue is caused commonly due to lack of energy.