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Cancer of the mesothelium is known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats

The most common signof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.

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

• Shortness of breath
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Spitting up blood

One should not self-diagnose themselves. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner 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. 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.

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.