Symptoms of mesothelioma usually do not appear for 20 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. The symptoms often resemble other diseases like asbestosis, as well as typical respiratory illnesses and even the common cold. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma.
The symptoms of mesothelioma include :
1. Shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall)
2. Chest wall pain
3. General symptoms such as weight loss.
4. Persistent dry cough without phlegm.
5. Sweating or fever
6. Swelling or pain in abdomen
7. Development of lumps under skin.
8. Fatigue
The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination.
A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies.
Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.
The symptoms of mesothelioma include :
1. Shortness of breath due to pleural effusion (fluid between the lung and the chest wall)
2. Chest wall pain
3. General symptoms such as weight loss.
4. Persistent dry cough without phlegm.
5. Sweating or fever
6. Swelling or pain in abdomen
7. Development of lumps under skin.
8. Fatigue
The diagnosis may be suspected with chest X-ray and CT scan, and is confirmed with a biopsy (tissue sample) and microscopic examination.
A thoracoscopy (inserting a tube with a camera into the chest) can be used to take biopsies.
Research about screening tests for the early detection of mesothelioma is ongoing.