Mesothelioma will show a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath as a consequence of 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. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.

The most common signof patients with abdomen 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 important to note 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.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Nausea
• Raspy voice
• Difficulty 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 sample of tissue from the region that cancer is suspected and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. 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 so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.

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 catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.