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Cancer of the mesothelium has a few major symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next 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 main indicatorof patients with abdomen 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 many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.

Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Raspy voice
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing up blood

One should not self-diagnose themselves. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their 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.

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. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, 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 be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. 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 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.