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Identifying Cases of Cancer of the Mesothelium Demands Medical Expertise
- June 24th, 2009
Mesotheliomawill show a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is having trouble breathing as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The most common sign of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
It is key to understand that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Having trouble breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Nausea
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspected region and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise 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. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.
