Diagnosing Cancer of the Mesothelium Demands Medical Screening Methods
Mesotheliomahas a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing caused by pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats
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), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
Its vital to know 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.
Pleural mesothelioma cancer is problematic to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
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 the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, 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 needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed 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. 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.
