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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in the lining of the body's organs. It's usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

About this information

This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

Symptoms

Causes of mesothelioma

Causes

Tests and next steps for mesothelioma

Diagnosis

Treatment for mesothelioma

Medical treatments

Help and support for mesothelioma

Support

Symptoms of mesothelioma depend on the type you have. They may include chest or tummy pain, shortness of breath or a cough that does not go away.

Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a material that was used in the building industry until it was banned in 1999.

Tests for mesothelioma include X-ray, CT and ultrasound scans, and draining fluid from your lungs or tummy so it can be checked for cancer cells.

Immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are sometimes used to treat mesothelioma. Surgery is only suitable for a small number of people.

If you have mesothelioma, you can get support from your specialist team, and charities such as Mesothelioma UK and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Main symptoms of mesothelioma

The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the type you have and the area of your body affected.

In most people, mesothelioma affects the lining of their lungs (pleural mesothelioma). In some people, it affects the lining of their tummy (peritoneal mesothelioma).

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • a cough that does not go away
  • difficulty swallowing
  • a hoarse voice
  • a high temperature
  • sweating heavily at night
  • feeling very tired (fatigue)
  • loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
  • curved nails over rounded fingertips (clubbing)

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • tummy pain
  • a swollen tummy
  • feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
  • loss of appetite or losing weight without trying
  • diarrhoea or constipation

See a GP if:

  • you have the symptoms of mesothelioma and think you've come into contact with and breathed in asbestos over a long period of time.

Main causes of mesothelioma

The main cause of mesothelioma is breathing in asbestos fibres over a long period of time.

Asbestos is a building material that was used in the UK from the 1950s until it was banned in 1999.

You may have been exposed to asbestos if you work, or used to work, in the building industry in a job such as:

  • an electrician, carpenter or plumber
  • a heating and ventilation engineer
  • a construction or demolition worker

It can take a long time (15 to 60 years) for mesothelioma to develop after being exposed to asbestos.

Main tests for mesothelioma

The tests for mesothelioma depend on your symptoms and the area of your body that's affected.

The GP may arrange for you to have an X-ray of your chest or tummy depending on the symptoms you have.

Other tests you may have after being referred to a specialist include:

  • scans, like a CT scan, an ultrasound scan or a PET-CT scan
  • fluid may be drained from your lungs or tummy using a small tube and checked for cancer cells
  • an operation where a small cut is made in your chest or abdomen and a long, thin tube with a camera at the end used to look inside your lungs or tummy

Main treatments for mesothelioma

Mesothelioma can be difficult to treat.

The treatment you have will depend on:

  • the type of mesothelioma
  • where it is
  • if it has spread
  • your general health

Immunotherapy, where medicines are used to help your immune system fight the cancer, is the most common treatment for mesothelioma.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive treatments may also be used to help control symptoms.

Surgery is rarely used to treat mesothelioma, but may be if the cancer is found early.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

  • explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
  • work with you to create a treatment plan that's best for you
  • help you prepare for treatment and manage any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. Depending on the stage of your mesothelioma, you may have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects you're worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

Where to find help and support

If you have mesothelioma, your specialist team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma UK

Information and support for anyone affected by mesothelioma.

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

Asbestos Victims Support Group UK

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Content supplied by the NHS website

Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗

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