Medical Tests and Symptoms Offer Clues into Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Cancer of the mesothelium has a few major symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. The second most 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 most common signof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, 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 is difficult to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Vomiting
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 region that cancer is suspected 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 is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. 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 irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
