Some: Trouble Breathing, Lower Back Pain Raspy Voice
Cancer of the mesothelium has a few primary symptoms. Pleural mesotheliomas primary symptom is a lack of breath as a consequence of 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 indicatorof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which is centralized in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
Its vital to know that many of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Pleural mesothelioma is problematic to diagnose, because less serious conditions also cause similar symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pain associated with an excess of fluid in the pleura
- Running a temperature
- Nausea
- Raspy voice
- Having trouble swallowing
- Spitting up blood
Do not attempt self-diagnosis. 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 sample of tissue from the region that cancer is suspected and examines it to return a highly accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are generally not painful.
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. 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 so, whether it is malignant or benign. Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma is also possible 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 make sure they are not in danger or to catch the cancer as early as possible. People who need to be screened include those with a history of asbestos exposure..
