Malignant mesotheliomahas a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack 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 because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats

The main indicator of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.

Its vital to know that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Malignant mesothelioma cancer is problematic to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Raspy voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 suspected region and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed 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 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. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..