Diagnosing Cancer of the Mesothelium Means Medical Tests
28 June 2009Malignant mesotheliomahas a few major symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
The primary symptom of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
Its vital to know that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Malignant mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspicious area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner 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. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, whether it is 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 who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
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