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Malignant mesotheliomahas a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next most 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 abdomen mesothelioma, which originates 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 many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Typical symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Nausea
• 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 suspected area and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.