Symptoms of Mesothelioma CancerPleural mesothelioma affects the lining of the chest cavity (pleura). In turn, patients suffering from this type experience symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing.A doctor may diagnose mesothelioma through a physical exam and imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scan. These tests may reveal calcium deposits on the pleura, fluid accumulation between the chest and lung or other abnormalities.Chest PainPatients will experience chest discomfort in the latter stages of mesothelioma. This is because of the accumulation of pleural fluid, which restricts the lungs' capacity to expand when breathing. To relieve this painful symptom, doctors can drain pleural liquid. They can employ a thoracentesis or catheter to take the fluid.During your physical exam, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and work background to determine the source of your discomfort. After excluding any other illness such as pneumonia, the doctor will order imaging scans. These tests help doctors observe the affected areas better. They can use X-rays (or CT scans) or MRIs (magnetic imaging).It is sometimes difficult to identify mesothelioma since its symptoms are similar. A biopsy is the only way to confirm that you are suffering from mesothelioma. During this procedure, your doctor will remove cells from the affected area of your body and then examine them under a microscope. They will determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage it is in to plan your treatment. Mesothelioma patients typically experience fever, a side effect of chemotherapy, which weakens the immune system. Fever is also a sign of cancer spreading to other parts.Breathing ShortnessBecause mesothelioma is a rare cancer and its sporadic nature, it is not uncommon for doctors to misdiagnose the disease. They may mistake mesothelioma symptoms as a common illness or condition such as pneumonia, the flu or lung cancer. Mesothelioma experts can assist patients better understand mesothelioma and its symptoms, as well as how to address them.The symptoms of mesothelioma vary depending on the location where it forms. For example, pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, or linings around the lung. The initial signs of the disease include respiratory problems such as chest pain and difficulty breathing.As mesothelioma grows it can result in a pleural effusion, or a build-up within the pleural cavity. The accumulation of fluid can cause chest pain, hinder breathing and can cause weight loss.To alleviate this ailment, the medical team drains the fluid through an operation known as thoracentesis. They might also prescribe medications to manage pain and improve a person's quality of life, such as strong painkillers. Additionally the team of care for the patient will likely discuss palliative care options with them in order to ease discomfort and pain. They may suggest methods such as meditation, gentle exercise, and a healthy diet plan.Abdominal PainThe malignant mesothelioma pleural cancer can cause abdominal pain and stomachaches are a sign that you have mesothelioma. The symptoms of abdominal pain can be mild to moderate and managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin. In extreme cases, narcotics can be prescribed.About 10% of mesotheliomas can be found in the abdomen. The Peritoneum is a layer of tissue which protects organs, including the heart, lungs and stomach. The peritoneum consists of two layers. The inner layer wraps around your organs. The outer layer is referred to as the parietal and peritoneum. It lines the abdominal wall and pelvis. In normal circumstances, there is some fluid between the two layers to allow organs to move freely. Mesothelioma may grow in the peritoneum, which can cause an accumulation of fluid that is called ascites.A doctor can diagnose Ascites by testing a small amount of tissue or fluid taken from your body to detect cancerous cells. If cancer is detected, a biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. In some instances, doctors may also be able improve breathlessness resulting from the buildup of fluid in the lungs with surgery. This involves removing a part of the lining that covers the lung or chest wall (video-assisted VATS). The pleura may be removed by a mouth or throat with a tube attached to the video camera.Loss of AppetitePatients with mesothelioma typically have a loss in appetite. It could be caused by chemotherapy or radiation. cancer mesothelioma could be caused by fatigue or other symptoms of mesothelioma. It is essential to discuss with your doctor the symptoms of loss of appetite.Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that forms in the thin layer of tissue that surrounds most internal organs. It is most often found in the lining around the lungs (pleura). It can also be found in the abdomen's lining (peritoneum) or in the lining around the heart (pericardium) or in the testicles (tunica vaginalis).Patients with pleural mesothelioma could have trouble breathing due to the accumulation of fluids in the pleura. This fluid, called effusions of the pleural membrane, can make it difficult to breathe because the lungs don't expand as they should. This can lead to chest pains, and a shorter breath.If doctors see fluid build-up in the pleura, they will typically request a biopsy. During a biopsy, doctors will remove a mesothelioma tissue and examine it under a microscope in order to look for cancerous cells. However mesothelioma diagnoses can be difficult to establish because the disease has an extended latency.Abdominal DiscomfortMesothelioma patients typically experience pain or lumps in their abdomen. These symptoms can be more or less frequent depending on the area they occur. Patients may also notice unexplained weight decrease as the cancer spreads and their bodies start to shut down.In mesothelioma with late stage abdominal pain is more frequent and can turn severe. Patients can find relief from the pain with a number of different treatments. Many doctors drain the pleural liquid in the chest to reduce pain and improve breathing. Doctors can prescribe powerful painkillers to patients.In addition to coughing and fatigue people with pericardial pleural mesothelioma (a rare form of the cancer that affects lining around the chest) may experience chest pains or heart palpitations. They could also suffer from anemia, with pale skin, and their fevers may be more frequent.Mesothelioma treatment is geared toward controlling the disease rather than treating it. This method, known as palliative care, assists patients to feel as comfortable as they can as they deal with their symptoms. This could include procedures such as regularly taking out fluids from the lungs, or providing stronger painkillers to patients to ease their discomfort.NauseaA common symptom of mesothelioma is nausea. It is caused by tumors pressing on specific organs or affecting them in different ways. It could also be the result of mesothelioma treatment.Mesothelioma symptoms differ based on the place where the cancer arose and the stage of the disease. The early symptoms can be subtle and not be noticed as they are similar to other illnesses such as pneumonia and influenza. Patients suffering from mesothelioma should inform their doctor about any new symptoms. Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the best treatment options for patients.Patients with advanced mesothelioma have more severe symptoms, which are difficult to differentiate from other illnesses. For example, pleural mesothelioma sufferers may experience fluid buildup in their chest (pleural effusion) or stomach (ascites). Mesothelioma can also spread (metastasize) and spread to other parts of the human body.This can cause more symptoms and trigger new ones. Treatments for mesothelioma could include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.VomitingMesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has spread. Pleural mesothelioma is characterized by chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and fluid buildup in the lungs. Patients with peritoneal cancer may experience abdominal pain, bloating, and loss of appetite. Testicular mesothelioma may cause a lump on the testes, as well as other symptoms similar to mesothelioma pleural.Symptoms typically appear around 10-50 years after exposure asbestos. This is because stray asbestos fibers can lie dormant for years before they begin adhering to organ linings.The mesothelioma treatment team will work to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life for their patients. This includes regular fluid drainage, strong painkillers, and palliative care.Doctors can also utilize chemotherapy to shrink mesothelioma tumors and prolong the life expectancy of patients. They may also use radiation or immunotherapy. The patient's mesothelioma specialist will devise a treatment strategy following the results of tests, like an imaging test or blood tests. Download our Understanding Mesothelioma brochure to learn more about mesothelioma stages, life expectancy, and treatment options. The book contains comprehensive descriptions of each mesothelioma stage, signs and symptoms, and how to accurately diagnose the disease.