Mesotheliomahas a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.

The most common sign of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.

It is key to understand that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Malignant mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:

  • Having trouble breathing
  • Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
  • Fever
  • Upset stomach
  • Breathy voice
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Coughing blood

One should not self-diagnose themselves. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the region that cancer is suspected and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.

Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..