Cancer of the mesothelium will show a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding 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 abdomen mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
Its vital to know that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Pleural mesothelioma is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. 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 small tissue sample from the suspicious area and examines it to return a highly 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. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, 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 needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, 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.
