Identifying Cases of Mesothelioma Cancers Means Advanced Tests
Cancer of the mesotheliumis known to have a few primary symptoms. The primary 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 due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The primary symptom of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
Its vital to know 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.
Mesothelioma is hard to identify, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. A biopsy is the primary way the condition is confirmed. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected area and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if so, whether it is malignant or benign. 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.
