Oftentimes, mesothelioma diagnosis begins when a patient sees a doctor about certain symptoms. Depending on whether the cancer is in the mesothelium of your chest or your abdominal cavity, early symptoms may include:
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Cough
- Breathing problems
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
If you mention previous asbestos exposure, the diagnostic process can be much quicker. The early symptoms of the cancer are common to the flu and other relatively minor health problems, so remembering you were exposed to asbestos can point your doctor in the right direction.
As the diagnostic process continues, your doctor may perform a physical exam, including determining whether you have fluid in the suspected area of mesothelioma. If further testing is needed, your doctor may order certain imaging tests, such as an x-ray or CT scan. A biopsy may also be necessary. In a biopsy, a tissue or fluid sample is tested for cancer cells. Currently, researchers are trying to develop blood tests that could be used in diagnosis of mesothelioma.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos illness and want to find out more about class actions or individual claims for compensation, please contact the Law Office of Brown | Kiely, LLP, to schedule a consultation with our experienced attorney in Maryland.
