A Few: Shortness of Breath, Lower Back Pain Raspy Voice
Malignant mesothelioma has a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around 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 originates in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
It is key to understand 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 is difficult to diagnose, 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
- Nausea
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 small tissue sample from the suspected region 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 is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, 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 also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, 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.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, 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..
