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Medical Author:

Winston W Tan, MD

Coauthor:

Shehnaz Shaikh, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The onset of symptoms is gradual, and a person often experiences symptoms for four to six months before the diagnosis is made.

You should see a health-care provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) is the most common complaint
• Chest discomfort
• Chest pain
• Cough
• Easy fatigability
• Fever
• Weight loss

The above listed symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious diseases. Only a health-care provider can make a diagnosis with the help of various exams and tests.