A Primer to the Symptoms and Tests for Diagnosis of Malignant Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma has a few major symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The most common signof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
It is key to understand 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 is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Having trouble breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing up blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. 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 region that cancer is suspected and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, 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 also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by looking for cancer cells in a sample of fluid from the pleura.
These methods can also diagnose and screen patients for mesothelioma. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
