Jessica Lunsford Blog

Cancer of the mesothelium has a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing 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 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 important to note 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.

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

• Having trouble breathing
• Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Vomiting
• Raspy voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 removes a piece of tissue from the suspicious area and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want 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 have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.

Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.