Diagnosis Cancer of the Mesothelium Means Medical Screening Methods
1 July 2009Malignant mesotheliomahas a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The primary symptom 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 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.
Malignant mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Vomiting
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Spitting up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. 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 sample of tissue from the suspected region and performs an examination that will result in a very 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 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 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. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible 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 who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, 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.
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