Mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed because the symptoms resemble other illnesses and are often mistaken for a common cold. A diagnosis of mesothelioma is often obtained after a complete physical exam and a series of X-rays of the chest, abdomen or lungs. After the X-rays are complete, the patient usually gets a CT scan or an MRI. Once these tests are complete, if the results look suspicious, a biopsy is necessary for confirmation.

Because the symptoms of mesothelioma often resemble other illnesses, it is usually past the beginning stages and too late to treat effectively by the time the doctor determines it is mesothelioma. It is important for an individual who has been exposed to asbestos, especially in the workplace, to disclose this information with their doctor at the beginning stages of the diagnosis process.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Although the symptoms vary case by case, depending on the overall health of the individual and the stage of the disease, there are some symptoms that are common among all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. Following is a list of common mesothelioma symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Chronic fatigue
• Insomnia
• Body aches
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fluid in the lungs or stomach
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Uncontrollable coughing, chest pain

Treatments Options

Once an individual receives a mesothelioma diagnosis, there are a few treatment options that can be used. Following is a list of the three most common forms of mesothelioma treatment:

• Surgery : Surgery is only performed on patients diagnosed with mesothelioma at the early stages of the disease. The purpose of surgery is to remove the cancer from the lungs, stomach or heart and is usually paired with another form of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation to fight the residual disease.

• Radiation therapy : This procedure uses penetrating beams of radiation to attack the residual cancer cells after surgery has been performed.

• Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy is the term used to describe the use of chemical substances or drugs to destroy cancer cells and prevent future multiplication. Chemotherapy is not meant to cure mesothelioma, but it can help control the spread of the cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to fight any remaining cells. This form of treatments is usually administered in cycles, allowing the drugs to attack and kill the cancer cells and giving enough time between cycles for the healthy cells to recover.

Diagnosed with Mesothelioma?

If you or someone you love has been given a mesothelioma diagnosis, contact us today to learn more about your options.