The Truth Bar » Great Science Tips

timeicon-1480970 June 11th, 2009 by author-6241317 Administrator

Malignant mesothelioma has a few major symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas main symptom is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain because the chest wall is being attacked by the tumor. Other symptoms may include weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats

The main indicatorof patients with peritoneal mesothelioma, which begins in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, and bowel obstruction.

It is important to note that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.

Pleural mesothelioma is hard to identify, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. Typical symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest or lower back pains due to accumulated fluid in the pleura
  • Fever
  • Upset stomach
  • Breathy voice
  • Having trouble swallowing
  • Coughing blood

One should not self-diagnose themselves. One suffering from any of the above symptoms should see a doctor and remain calm. Performing a biopsy is the standard way to confirm the condition. A pathologist takes a small tissue sample from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Usually, biopsies do not hurt.

Another option is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan. A CT scan is basically an X-ray procedure where cross-sectional images are taken as a scanner rotates around the body. Once in a while, a dye is ingested by the patient to help define the images. 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 so, whether it is malignant or benign. Pleural mesothelioma can also be diagnosed by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

These methods can also diagnose and screen patients 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 who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.