Malignant mesothelioma has a few major symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. The next most 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 primary symptomof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.

Its vital to know that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.

Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is difficult to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
• Burning up
• Nausea
• Breathy voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, 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. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma 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. 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..