The Silver Bot

Malignant mesothelioma has a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is having trouble breathing as a consequence of pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. The second most common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.

The main indicatorof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup in the abdomen (a condition called ascites), pain in the abdomen, and blockage of the bowel.

Its vital to know that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. However, if you have been exposed to asbestos and have these symptoms, you should visit a doctor.

Mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Breathy voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• Spitting up blood

Self-diagnosis should never be attempted. 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 removes a piece of tissue from the suspected 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. 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 recognized as being effective in diagnosis. Opinions vary whether a CT scan or biopsy is cheaper. If irregularities are detected, a biopsy may also be ordered to determine if a tumor exists, and if thats the case, if its malignant or benign. It is also possible to diagnose pleural mesothelioma by testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.

Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. 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 should be screened for mesothelioma if they have a history of asbestos exposure.