Mesotheliomais known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is shortness of breath due to pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.

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

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 is difficult to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Typical symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Upset stomach
• Raspy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected region and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it 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 recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If irregularities are detected, 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 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. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any 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.