Cancer of the mesotheliumhas a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.

The main indicator of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which begins 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.

It is key to understand that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Pleural mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:

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

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.

Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. 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. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.