A Brief Overview of the Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cancer of the Mesothelium
Cancer of the mesothelium has a few major symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing 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 peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
It is important to note 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.
Pleural mesothelioma is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Upset stomach
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspected region and examines it to return a highly 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. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by taking a sample of fluid from the pleura and testing it for the presence of cancer cells.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. 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. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
