Medical Tests and Symptoms Provide Clues into Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Thursday, June 18th, 2009Cancer of the mesothelium will show a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the accumulation 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. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The most common signof patients with abdomen 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.
Its vital to know that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma cancer is difficult to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Having trouble breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Raspy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspected area and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are abnormalities, 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 taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.