Diagnosis Mesothelioma Cancers Involves Advanced Tests
30 June 2009Mesotheliomais known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next 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 main indicator 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.
Malignant mesothelioma is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:
- Having trouble breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Vomiting
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing up blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. People suffering from the above symptoms should remain calm and consult a doctor. The standard way to confirm the condition is with a biopsy. 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. 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 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 irregularities are detected, 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 looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.
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