English Corpus

Cancer of the mesotheliumis known to have a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is having trouble breathing due to pleural effusion ” the increase of fluid in the membrane, or pleura, around the lung. The second 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 indicator of 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 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 problematic to diagnose, because many symptoms are also associated with less serious conditions. Typical symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Running a temperature
• Upset stomach
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 the biopsy which results in a very precise diagnosis. Biopsies are typically pain-free.

CT scans (Computed Tomography) are an option to avoid a biopsy. This is an X-ray procedure where a scanner takes many cross-sectional images as it rotates around the body. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have the advantage of being non-invasive and easier, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Beliefs vary whether a biopsy or scan is more cost-effective. If there are abnormalities, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

Mesothelioma can also be screened and then diagnosed by any of these methods. Patients are screened when they suspect they may be at risk but do not have typical symptoms, to ensure they are not at risk to get the cancer or to catch the cancer early. Patients who have in their past inhaled asbestos, should be screened for mesothelioma.