Symptoms of Mesothelioma CancerPleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the chest cavity's lining (pleura). Patients with this type of cancer experience symptoms like breathing problems and coughing.A doctor can diagnose mesothelioma by an examination of the body and imaging tests like the CT scan or chest X-ray. These tests may reveal calcium deposits on the pleura, or the fluid that lies between the lung wall and the chest wall.Chest PainPatients may experience chest pain in the later stages of mesothelioma. This is because of the accumulation of pleural fluid which restricts the lungs' ability to expand when breathing. To alleviate this painful symptom doctors can drain pleural liquid. They can use a thoracentesis catheter or a thoracentesis collect the fluid.During your physical exam, your physician will inquire about your symptoms and your work history to determine the cause of your discomfort. After confirming that you don't have other illnesses, such as pneumonia, doctors will request imaging scans. These tests enable them to detect the affected areas more clearly. They might use X-rays, CT scans or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).Mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. A biopsy is the only way to determine that you have mesothelioma. During the procedure the doctor will remove and analyze cells from a part of your body that is affected. They will determine the type of mesothelioma and the stage it is in to determine the best treatment plan for you. Patients with mesothelioma often suffer from fever, which is a side effect of chemotherapy, which weakens the immune system. It could also be an indication that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.Breathing shortnessBecause of mesothelioma's rarity and its sporadic nature, it is not uncommon for doctors to misdiagnose the condition. They might mistake mesothelioma symptoms as other common illnesses or conditions such as pneumonia or flu, or lung cancer. Mesothelioma experts can assist patients to understand mesothelioma's causes and its symptoms, and how to report them.The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the location where the cancer develops. For instance, pleural mesothelioma develops in the pleura, which is the lining around the lungs. This is why a majority of the disease's early symptoms are respiratory issues, including difficulty breathing and chest pain.As the mesothelioma advances, it can cause a pleural effusion, or a build-up within the pleural cavity. The build-up of fluid could interfere with breathing, cause pain in the chest and contribute to weight loss.To alleviate this condition, the medical team drains the fluid through an operation known as thoracentesis. They may prescribe strong painkillers in order to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients. The medical team of the patient will likely discuss alternatives for palliative care with them in order to lessen discomfort and pain. They can suggest techniques like meditation, gentle exercise and a healthy diet plan.Abdominal PainThe mesothelioma, a malignant pleural cancer, can cause abdominal pain, and stomachaches are an indication that you may have mesothelioma. Symptoms of abdominal pain are typically moderate to mild and can be treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen naproxen, aspirin, or aspirin. In extreme cases it is possible to prescribe narcotics.A mere tenth of mesotheliomas are found in the abdomen. The peritoneum is a protective layer that surrounds the organs such as the lungs, stomach, and the heart. The peritoneum is made up of two layers. The inner layer wraps around your organs. The outer layer is known as the parietal peritoneum, and runs along the abdominal wall and the pelvis. There is usually a small amount of fluid between the two layers, so organs can move easily. Mesothelioma can develop in the peritoneum and create a build-up of fluid that is also known as ascites.A doctor can diagnose ascites by taking a sample of the fluid or tissue from your body and analyzing it for cancer cells. If cancer is detected, the biopsy will confirm the mesothelioma diagnosis. In certain cases doctors may also be able to treat breathlessness due to fluid buildup in the lungs through surgery. This involves the removal of a portion of the lining on the lung's wall or chest (video-assisted VATS). The pleura may be removed through your mouth or throat with a tube attached to a video camera.Loss of AppetitePatients suffering from mesothelioma usually have a loss in appetite. It could be caused by cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. It may also be related to fatigue and other symptoms related to mesothelioma. It is crucial to discuss with your physician the symptom of losing appetite.Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, develops in the thin layer that covers the internal organs of many. It usually affects the lining that surrounds the lung (pleura). It may also affect the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or in the lining around the heart (pericardium) or in the testicles (tunica vaginalis).Fluid buildup in the pleura can lead to breathing difficulties for those with pleural cancer. This fluid, also known as pleural effusions, can cause breathing difficult because the lungs cannot expand as they should. This can result in chest pains, and a shorter breathing.If doctors find an increase in fluid in the pleura, they will order a biopsy. A mesothelioma biopsy is when doctors take a small amount of tissue and study it with a microscope for cancer cells. A mesothelioma diagnosis is not easy due to the lengthy latency period.Abdominal DiscomfortMesothelioma patients are often afflicted with lumps or pain in their abdomen. These symptoms can be more or less frequent depending on where they occur. Patients may also experience unprovoked weight loss as the cancer progresses and their bodies begin to shut down.Abdominal pain can be severe and more frequent in late stage mesothelioma. Patients can get relief from the pain by various methods. Many doctors drain pleural fluid from the chest, which can reduce the pain and make breathing easier. Doctors can prescribe powerful painkillers to patients.In addition to fatigue and coughing, those with pericardial pleural mesothelioma (a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the chest) may suffer from chest pains or heart palpitations. They may also be suffering from anemia, with pale skin, and their fevers may be more frequent.Mesothelioma treatment is geared toward controlling the disease rather than treating it. Palliative care is a way to assist patients in coping with their symptoms in a relaxing way. This may include procedures like regularly removing fluid from the lungs, or offering patients stronger painkillers that help ease the pain they are experiencing.NauseaMesothelioma can trigger nausea. It is caused by the tumors pressuring certain organs or affecting them in different ways. It can also be a result of mesothelioma therapies.Mesothelioma symptoms vary based on where the cancer originated and the stage of the disease. Early symptoms can be mild and go unnoticed because they are similar to other illnesses like pneumonia and influenza. Mesothelioma patients should discuss any new symptoms with their doctor. Mesothelioma doctors will then be able to determine the best treatment options to help manage the symptoms.Patients with advanced mesothelioma suffer more severe symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from other diseases. Patients with mesothelioma of the pleural can experience an accumulation of fluid in their stomach or chest (ascites). Mesothelioma is also able to spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body.This can worsen symptoms and lead to new ones. Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery as well as radiation therapy and immunotherapy.VomitingMesothelioma symptoms vary depending on the type of mesothelioma and how far it has spread. Pleural mesothelioma is characterised by chest pain, difficulty in breathing, and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer could suffer from abdominal pain, bloating and loss of appetite. Testicular mesothelioma could cause a lump to the testes, as well being a variety of other symptoms similar to mesothelioma of the pleural region.Symptoms typically appear around 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. This is because asbestos fibers can lay dormant for decades before they begin to adhere to organ linings.The mesothelioma treatment team works to ease symptoms and improve the quality of life for their patients. This is done through regular draining of fluids, strong painkillers, and palliative treatment.Doctors may use chemotherapy to shrink mesothelioma cancer s and prolong the patient's life. They may also utilize radiation or immunotherapy. The mesothelioma expert will develop a treatment plan following the results of tests, like an imaging test or blood tests. Patients can download our Understanding Mesothelioma booklet to learn more about the stages of mesothelioma, their life expectancy and treatment options. The book provides comprehensive descriptions of each stage, mesothelioma signs and symptoms, as well as how to accurately diagnose the disease.