Malignant mesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is shortness of breath due to pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
The primary symptomof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
It is key to understand that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
Mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:
- Having trouble breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Vomiting
- Raspy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 takes a small tissue sample from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.
Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. 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. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical 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..