A Primer to the Symptoms and Diagnosis of Cancer of the Mesothelium
Mesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing 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. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The main indicatorof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which is centralized 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 these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Nausea
- Hoarseness
- 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. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist removes a piece 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.
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. 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 needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible 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 are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to catch the cancer early or to make sure the patient is not otherwise in danger. Patients should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.
