Diagnosis Cancer of the Mesothelium Demands Medical Screening Methods
Malignant mesotheliomahas a few major symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is having trouble breathing caused by pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The main indicator 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), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
It is key to understand that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Pleural mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Nausea
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist removes a piece of tissue from the suspicious area and examines it to return a highly 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. 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 known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
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 ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.