Mesothelioma SymptomsBe aware that the symptoms of mesothelioma vary from patient to person. Certain symptoms are similar to those of other diseases that affect the lungs or chest such as pneumonia or COPD.For instance, pleural mesothelioma patients may experience chest pain as well as an ongoing dry cough. In some cases, fatigue, fever and unaccounted weight loss may also occur.PainPain is a common mesothelioma-related symptom, but it can be difficult to recognize. This is because it can often be confused with a myriad of other diseases and injuries. The location of the pain makes it difficult to pinpoint the source. Pain in the chest or back is typically due to mesothelioma. However, it can be present in other parts of the body.Patients with mesothelioma of the pleura can suffer from stiffness and pain in their chest and back. Patients may also have a dry cough or have trouble swallowing. Patients with peritoneal msothelioma may feel abdominal nausea, pain, vomiting, and weight loss, among other signs.Mesothelioma is a rare disorder that affects the mesothelium covering different parts of the human body is a rare cancer. Those affected by the disease have a greater chance of developing tumors in the abdomen, chest and lung. The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary according to where the tumor is situated and how advanced it is.Physical therapy, medication, mediation and other methods can be employed to treat the mesothelioma-related pain. Some people with mesothelioma may be eligible for clinical trials to treat their disease or manage their symptoms.Patients with mesothelioma or any other illness, can benefit from joining support groups and speaking to their doctors about their condition. They can also find helpful information from Straight Talk about Mesothelioma, an online series that includes mesothelioma specialists. These resources can help those who suffer from mesothelioma and their family ones learn more about the disease and what to expect from treatment.FeverA blood test, chest Xray, biopsy and positron emission tomography (PET) can be used by a mesothelioma physician to confirm whether asbestos exposure is the reason for your cancer. A PET scan is a form of imaging test that can help your doctor pinpoint the location of cancerous tissue. A PET scan can also reveal how aggressive your mesothelioma is and if it has been able to spread to other organs.If a mesothelioma biopsy required, your doctor will remove a small portion of the tumor or mass using a needle. The tissue will be examined under a microscope for any cancerous cells. A biopsy can be carried out in the operating room of a hospital, or as an outpatient procedure. If what is mesothelioma tissue is diagnosed, you will be sent to a specialist mesothelioma cancer oncologist or mesothelioma surgeon.As your mesothelioma advances, you may experience changes in symptoms. Mesothelioma experts can assist you plan and explain the changes to be expecting. It is essential to report any new and worsening symptoms to your mesothelioma physician.Doctors separate mesothelioma into various types based on the location where it occurs. Pleural mesothelioma occurs in the lung lining and accounts for most mesothelioma cases. Other rare types of peritoneal or pericardial mesothelioma can occur in the lining around the heart. The location and stage determine the severity of the symptoms. The severity of pain will increase as the disease gets worse. The pain that is mild can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Narcotics are typically prescribed to treat severe pain. A mesothelioma doctor can provide the best pain management options.Loss of AppetitePatients with mesothelioma typically have issues with their appetite. The pain and fatigue caused by mesothelioma or the cancer treatments can make it difficult for patients to consume. This can sometimes cause an unproven loss of weight.Dysphagia is yet another symptom associated with pleural mesothelioma. This is due to the buildup of fluid that enlarges the lungs and chest wall. Mesothelioma increases your risk of pneumonia, as well as other respiratory ailments.People with mesothelioma may experience a general feeling of being sick or have trouble sleeping. This is especially the case in the latter stages. These symptoms may be similar to the symptoms experienced by people suffering from a variety of diseases, like pneumonia or COPD and can lead to misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.If doctors spot a possible mesothelioma tumor or mass they collect a small amount of tissue or the fluid to check for cancer cells. They can remove the sample using a needle or by surgery and study it under a microscope to look for mesothelioma cells.Symptoms of mesothelioma vary by location, type and stage of the disease. Mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in the tissue that covers the lungs, however it could also begin in the lining of your abdomen or your heart.The symptoms of peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma are usually found in the abdominal cavity and bowels. Mesothelioma-related symptoms in the chest and lungs are more prevalent and can be more easily identified than those of peritoneal mesothelioma. However, it's crucial to communicate all your symptoms with your doctor regardless of where they originate. This will help ensure you get the correct diagnosis and treatment as quickly as possible.Weight LossA lack of appetite can make it difficult for patients to eat well and maintain an appropriate weight. This could be due to cancer or treatment adverse effects, like nausea, difficulty swallowing, pain, and fatigue. It may also be the result of chronic health issues like inflammatory bowel disease or obstruction of the intestinal tract.Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the mesothelium. This membrane forms spaces in the body, including the chest cavity or abdomen. The majority of mesothelioma cases begin in the lung, but it can also start in the stomach or in the pericardium (the thin membrane that is the heart's protective layer). Mesothelioma cells can spread from one area of the body to another, which is why many people who have mesothelioma have numerous symptoms.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma through a physical examination and other tests. They will inquire about a person's job and family history, and look for signs of asbestos exposure. This could be a result of an accumulation of fluid between the chest wall and lungs, called pleural effusion.To confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, doctors need to take an appropriate sample of the tissue for testing. They can drain the pleural liquid by a procedure referred to as thoracentesis, or insert a needle into the pleura under CT guidance to collect the biopsy.It is important that patients suffering from mesothelioma keep an appropriate weight during their treatment and recovery. They should consume a variety of foods that contain lean proteins and whole grains to ensure they have sufficient nutrients. A registered dietitian can help patients create a diet program that is based on their symptoms and dislikes. They should also communicate any changes in their symptoms with their doctor in order to prepare for what to expect during treatment and follow-up.Shortness of BreathBreathing difficulties are a common mesothelioma-related symptom. It can be made worse due to fatigue, coughing and weight loss. Mesothelioma can also cause fluid buildup in and around the lungs, which prevents the lungs from expanding fully. This condition, called Pleural effusion, could be caused by mesothelioma or other conditions, such as pericardial effusion.The severity of breathing difficulties will depend on the stage of the disease, its nature and location, as well as the general health of the patient. It is essential to report any breathing difficulties to your physician.A cough associated with mesothelioma is typically a dry cough and doesn't produce any phlegm or sputum. The cough can last for weeks and is most often more severe at the night. It can be extremely exhausting and can cause sleep problems. It can have a negative effect on the quality of life for patients. This could lead to discomfort, breathlessness and fatigue and the need to retch, sleep problems, and fatigue.Patients are usually given medication to help them breathe and get through the day. Your doctor or nurse will provide advice on the best treatment for you based on your symptoms. They may prescribe simple Linctus that is available without a prescription or painkillers that contain codeine and Morphine.In certain instances doctors will remove the fluid that causes the breathlessness. This procedure is known as a pleural tap pleurocentesis, or thoracentesis. This is done by numbing your skin with local anaesthetic. A needle is introduced between the ribs into the pleural fluid-filled cavity and then connected to a bag for drainage. This can alleviate the symptoms of breathlessness caused by mesothelioma of the pleural cavity. It is possible to perform prior to or at the same time as biopsy.