Diagnosis Cancer of the Mesothelium Involves Medical Expertise
1 July 2009Cancer of the mesotheliumhas a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
The primary symptom of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
It is key to understand that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
Mesothelioma cancer is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Raspy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Patients are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
top