Diagnosing Mesothelioma Cancers Involves Medical Expertise
Cancer of the mesotheliumhas a few primary symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the accumulation 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. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The primary symptom of 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 key to understand 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.
Mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 takes a small tissue sample from the suspected region and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
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. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, whether it is 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.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. 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. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
