A Guide to the Indicators and Diagnosis Cancer of the Mesothelium
Cancer of the mesothelium has a few major symptoms. The primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. 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), abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.
It is key to understand 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.
Mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Vomiting
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 takes a sample of tissue from the suspected area 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 is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. 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 so, whether it is malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed 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 are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
