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Mesotheliomahas a few major symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats

The most common sign of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins 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 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.

Malignant mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Nausea
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for 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. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..