Diagnosing Mesothelioma Involves Qualified Screening Methods
25 June 2009Malignant mesotheliomawill show a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath due to 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. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The primary symptom of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which originates 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 other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Typical symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspicious area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. 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 might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, 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 abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
top