How Do I Know If I Have Mesothelioma?

In general, the clinical presentation of this disease may include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Pain in the chest and abdominal regions that is generally unresponsive to analgesics
• Progressive loss of appetite and weight loss
• Pleural effusions (fluid in the chest cavity)

Management of mesothelioma depends largely on the staging of the tumor. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention may lengthen life expectancy. Depending on the age and physical condition of the patient, however, surgery may not be a viable option. In addition to surgical options, radiation treatment and chemotherapy may be helpful in the overall therapeutic program. Pain management and home care are typical alternatives in the later stages of the disease.