Pleural mesothelioma Symptoms or signs of mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years (or more) after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough, and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion) are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the pleura can cause these signs and symptoms: Chest wall pain Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung Shortness of breath Fatigue or anemia Wheezing, hoarseness, or a cough Blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis) 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. Peritoneal mesothelioma The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (a buildup of fluid in the abdominal cavity). Other features may include weight loss, fever, night sweats, poor appe...