Cancer of the mesothelium will show a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats

The most common signof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.

It is important to note that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Nausea
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

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. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. 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 also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.

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 make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.