Malignant mesotheliomais known to have a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
The primary symptom of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
It is important to note that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.
Malignant mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Typical symptoms:
- Having trouble breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Upset stomach
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspected area and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are irregularities, 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 looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
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 make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.