With indicators such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss, Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose since many of its

symptoms resemble those of common ailments, such as influenza. The difficulty of diagnosis implies that people with Mesothelioma often have the cancer for a few months or even a few years before it is detected, but earlier diagnosis would likely allow for greater life expectancy. According to the American Cancer Society, symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma may include Pain in the lower back or at the side of the chest Shortness of breath Cough Fever Sweating Fatigue Weight loss Trouble swallowing Hoarseness Swelling of the face and arms Muscle weakness Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma may involve Abdominal (stomach) pain Swelling or fluid in the abdomen Weight loss Nausea and vomiting Bowel obstruction Anemia Fever Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are Irregular heartbeat/heart palpitations Chest pain Tiredness after brief activity Shortness of breath Coughing Despite the difficulty of diagnosis, doctors do detect about 2,000 to 3,000 cases of Mesothelioma in the United States each year. To determine if the cancer is present, a doctor may review medical history and conduct a physical exam. If the exam indicates a possibility of mesothelioma, the doctor will perform a biopsy in order to make a final diagnosis. A biopsy usually entails the removal of cells from an abnormal area and the examination of those cells under a microscope, but there are different methods that are dependent upon the situation. Once diagnosed, mesothelioma is classified by type and stage, and when the tumor is located, the doctor will determine if it has spread to other organs.