CTOKOS Blog

Malignant mesotheliomahas a few major symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is having trouble breathing as a consequence of pleural effusion ” fluid being built up in the pleura, or membrane, encompassing the lung. The next most common symptomis chest pain because the tumor is attacking the chest wall. Symptoms may also include fatigue, loss of weight and night sweats

The primary symptom of patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, 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.

Mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Coughing up blood

Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 removes a piece of tissue from the suspicious area and performs an examination that will result in a very accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.

A CT scan (Computer Tomography is an option if you dont want a biopsy. 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 recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may be needed on top of the CT scan to confirm whether or not the irregularity is a tumor, and if so, if the tumor is benign or malignant. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible 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. 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.