Mesothelioma is a disease that manifests itself several years after asbestos exposure; often the symptoms occur after thirty to forty years. In fact, in the early stages, the mesothelioma symptoms are unnoticeable. Therefore, it is very important to have a regular check up even if there are no apparent symptoms if, at any point, you were exposed to asbestos.
The symptoms for asbestosis or any benign lung disease are similar; accurate diagnosis can only be provided by a complete medical examination. The doctor can determine effective and powerful treatments if the mesothelioma is detected early.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma:

• Coughing
• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Loss of weight
• Chest or abdominal pains
• Chest fluids

Tumors of the mesothelium and those that have spread to the chest wall make it difficult for the lungs to function, cause chest pains and consequently, coughing. And once the fluid builds up, breathing and sleeping can be more difficult. When cancer cells spread, the body starts feeling weak and fatigued. Because of the invasion of the abdomen, the body may not be able to properly absorb nutrients which can result to weight loss. If the mesothelioma has further spread to other parts of the patient's body, the symptoms can include pain, difficulty in swallowing and swelling of the face or neck.

Different types of mesothelioma have different symptoms. Peritoneal disease affects the liver, intestines and other parts of the abdominal cavity. The abdomen expands as fluid builds up. The ability to make blood clots are also affected since the liver is important in the manufacture of the substances that control bleeding. In this type of mesothelioma, weight loss takes place for a variety of reasons.

Pleural mesothelioma also damages the upper airway, making swallowing difficult and affecting the larynx.

Specific Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Loss of weight
• Pain in the abdomen
• Fluid build-up in the abdomen
• Obstruction of bowel
• Abnormal blood clots
• Mass in the abdomen
• Fever

Specific Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Pains in the lower back
• Pains in the side of the chest
• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Hoarse voice
• Difficulty in swallowing

Wherever the location, there are three forms of malignant mesothelioma.
• Epitheloid – affects fifty to seventy percent of mesothelioma cases; the most common and have the best outlook for survival
• Sarcomatoid – affects between twenty to thirty five percent of cases
• Biphasic/Mixed – affects seven to twenty percent of mesothelioma

Once mesothelioma symptoms are present, the doctor will require a series of tests to confirm diagnosis. Imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI and X-rays can reveal any lung abnormality; a blood count has to be done to determine protein level. Others like metastatic adenocarcinoma and benign asbestos related diseases may show similar results on imaging methods; that is why the use of special staining and biopsy are needed for precise diagnosis.
As a result of extensive studies and research, there may soon come out more accurate diagnostic methods for mesothelioma. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a specialist immediately.