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Mesothelioma has 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. The second 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 symptomof patients with peritoneal 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.

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

• Having trouble breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Nausea
• Breathy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Spitting up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 small tissue sample from the suspicious area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.

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. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, 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..