Wise Observer

Cancer of the mesothelium is known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is shortness of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the buildup 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 symptomof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (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 is problematic to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. These symptoms include:

• Having trouble breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Vomiting
• Hoarseness
• Having trouble swallowing
• Coughing blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a sample of tissue from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

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. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be needed to know if the abnormality is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma 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. Screening is when patients who may suspect they are at risk are tested for the condition without displaying any symptoms, to make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..