Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining around the lungs, almost always linked to asbestos. It grows slowly, so early signs are easy to blame on aging or smoking.

Dry, hacking cough is the first clue. It won’t clear with cough syrup and gets worse at night.

Chest pain that won’t quit follows. It feels like a heavy, dull ache or a sharp stab that gets worse when you breathe deep or cough.

Shortness of breath creeps in. You puff faster than friends on stairs or can’t finish a sentence without pausing.

Weight loss and fatigue show up. Clothes feel looser, and naps don’t help even though appetite is fair.

Night sweats and low-grade fever can appear as the cancer irritates the body.

Late signs include a hard chest lump, arm swelling, or trouble lying flat—an alarm that the cancer has spread.