Identifying Cases of Cancer of the Mesothelium Involves Medical Tests
Monday, June 29th, 2009Cancer of the mesotheliumwill show 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. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The main indicator of patients with peritoneal 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 these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Nausea
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very 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. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. 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. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.