This cancer can sometimes not become evident in the sufferen until twenty, or even fifty years after asbestos exposure. Symptoms include:

• chest pain
• a cough
• breathing problems

The latter is probably a build up of liquid in the lungs (known as pleural mesothelioma). Another form is pertoneal mesothelioma, the signs of which are:

• fever
• anaemia
• unusual blood clotting
• obstruction of the bowels
• stomach swelling (again, a build up of fluid)
• weight loss

When it further spreads, symptoms can expand to include neck/face swelling, swallowing problems and other pains. It is however important to bear in mind that any or all of these symptoms can be caused by less serious conditions, and it is important to seek medical advice.

Mesothelioma in the lungs (most of the time only affecting one side of the lungs) has the following symptoms:

• bringing up fluid when coughing
tiredness
• anemia
• breathing shortness and wheezing
• fluid around the lungs
• chest pains

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:

• Weight loss
• Problems with bowel function
• A mass in the abdomen
• Ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen
• Abdominal pain

More serious cases can cause the following to occur:

• clots in lung arteries
• low blood sugar
• jaundice
• severe internal organ bleeding
• thrombophlebitis (due to clots)

Part of the body not affected by this form of cancer are the adrenal glands, brain and bones.