Self-Diagnosis of Mesothelioma Cannot Be Done Accurately, it Takes Medical Expertise and Tests
Malignant mesothelioma has a few major symptoms. The main symptom of pleural mesothelioma is a lack of breath due to pleural effusion ” the buildup of fluid in the pleura, or membrane, surrounding the lung. Another common symptomis chest pain due to the tumor invading the chest wall. Additional symptoms include night sweats, weight loss and exhaustion.
The primary symptomof patients with abdomen mesothelioma, which originates in the abdomen, is fluid buildup (known as ascites) in the abdomen causing abdominal swelling, bowel obstruction, and stomach pain.
It is important to note that other afflictions or diseases could be causing these symptoms. But if you have experienced any of these symptoms and have had asbestos exposure, you should see your doctor.
Malignant mesothelioma cancer is hard to identify, because the symptoms are also experienced in less serious health issues. These symptoms include:
- Having trouble breathing
- Lower back or chest pains from a buildup of fluid in the pleura
- Burning up
- Nausea
- 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 suspicious area and examines the biopsy which results in a very precise 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 is moved around the body to snap cross-sectional pictures. A patient might have to ingest a dye to help define the pictures. CT scans have an advantage over biopsies by being easier and non-invasive, and they are known to be an effective diagnostic tool. Opinion is divided as to whether the scan is more or less cost-effective than a biopsy. If there are irregularities, 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 testing a sample of fluid from the pleura for cancer cells.
Any of these methods may also be used to screen for mesothelioma. Patients who may think they are at risk but do not display any symptoms are typically screened, 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.