Mesotheliomawill show a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing 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 primary symptom of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
Its vital to know 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.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Nausea
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.
CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen 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 should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.