Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma symptoms include shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall) or chest wall pain, and general symptoms such as weight loss.

Mesothelioma signs and symptoms:

  • abdominal pain
  • bowel function problems
  • chest wall pain
  • weight loss
  • pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
  • shortness of breath
  • fatigue or anemia
  • wheezing, hoarseness, or cough
  • blood in the sputum (fluid) coughed up (hemoptysis)

Mesothelioma signs and symptoms in severe cases:

  • blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis
  • disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs
  • jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • low blood sugar level
  • pleural effusion
  • pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
  • severe ascites

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Mesothelioma is based on a pathological exam, more commonly referred to as a biopsy. This exam will test a tissue sample for the presence of malignant and/or pleural mesothelioma.

If you think that you may have been exposed to asbestos at any time, it is important to share your concern with a physician. 
Mesothelioma is a very aggressive form of cancer, and one of the reasons that it has such a low survival rate is because it is not typically diagnosed until the disease is fairly advanced.

Mesothelioma diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos is a common theme in diagnosing mesothelioma. 
Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. 
Mesothelioma diagnosis includes a physical examination followed by chest X-rays and a CT scan, and confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination.

To diagnose mesothelioma a thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) is used to do a biopsy. 
Individuals with pleural mesothelioma may accumulate some fluid between the lung lining and chest cavity. This can be detected through a chest x-ray, as well as CT scans.

Mesothelioma Attorney

If you or someone you know is suffering from Mesothelioma lung cancer or symptoms of Mesothelioma – Asbestos exposure, please contact us immediately for a FREE evaluation by completing the form below. Or you can call us toll-free at The Stenger Law Firm, LLC (417) to speak with a Mesothelioma Attorney.