Mesotheliomais known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next 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 peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins 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 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.

Pleural mesothelioma is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:

• Having trouble breathing
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Nausea
• Raspy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up 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 area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate 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. 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 considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, 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.