Cancer of the mesothelium has a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing caused by 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 signof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins 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.
Malignant mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Typical symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Nausea
- Hoarseness
- Having trouble swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspected region and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. 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 considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed 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. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
