Some: Difficulty Breathing, Lower Back Pain Wheezing Voice
Cancer of the mesothelium has a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. Another 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 abdomen mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
It is key to understand that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. 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 sample of tissue from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise 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 have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for 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.
