Mesotheliomawill show a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the buildup 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. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The most common sign of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which begins 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 these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Having trouble breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Nausea
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
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. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, 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.
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.
