Mesothelioma Self-Diagnosis Cannot Be Done Accurately, it Takes Medical Expertise and Tests
Sunday, June 14th, 2009Mesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is shortness of breath as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The main indicatorof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
Its vital to know that these symptoms could be caused by a myriad of diseases or conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.
Malignant mesothelioma cancer is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Symptoms typical for mesothelioma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
- Fever
- Upset stomach
- Raspy voice
- Difficulty swallowing
- Coughing blood
One should not self-diagnose themselves. Sufferers of the above symptoms should not panic, and should consult their doctor. 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. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.
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. Sometimes, the patient ingests a dye that helps define the picture. CT scans might be advantageous because of their simplistic and non-invasive nature, and they are considered an effective way of diagnosing the disease. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If there are irregularities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, 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.
Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. 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..