Some: Trouble Breathing, Lower Back Pain Raspy Voice
Mesothelioma will show a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma 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 chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The most common signof patients with abdomen 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.
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 problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Nausea
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the region that cancer is suspected and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. 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 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. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed 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 make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
