Malignant mesothelioma will show a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is having trouble breathing as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The primary symptomof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
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.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Vomiting
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the region that cancer is suspected and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
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. 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 recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. 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 catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.