Some: Difficulty Breathing, Lower Back Pain Wheezing Voice
Malignant mesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The main indicatorof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
It is key to understand that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Malignant mesothelioma is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.
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 an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. 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. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. 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 should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
