Lung Cancer Center

Cancer of the mesothelium is known to have a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats

The most common signof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.

It is key to understand 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 difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:

• Having trouble breathing
• Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Breathy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 takes a sample of tissue from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very 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 takes many cross-sectional images as it 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. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. 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 ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..