Archive for June 13, 2009
A Guide to the Indicators and Diagnosis Mesothelioma
June 13, 2009, 11:30 pmMesothelioma is known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath caused by pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats
The most common signof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is the swelling of the abdomen because of fluid accumulation (ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.
It is important to note that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Nevertheless, you should see a doctor if you have been exposed to asbestos and have experienced any of these symptoms.
Malignant mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Upset stomach
- Breathy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Coughing blood
Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 small tissue sample from the suspected area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.
A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it 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 recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. 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. 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. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.
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(posted in the Great Health Tips, The Sciences category)
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