Diagnosing mesothelioma

Only a doctor can definitively diagnose mesothelioma, however you should see a doctor if you show signs of the disease, as those symptoms can be caused by other conditions that are less serious. Symptoms include shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.