Symptoms
and Diagnosis
Mesothelioma is difficult to
diagnose, because many symptoms
are also associated with less
serious conditions. These symptoms
include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest or lower back pains
due to accumulated fluid in
the pleura
- Fever
- 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.
The standard way to confirm
the condition is with a biopsy.
A pathologist takes a small tissue
sample from the suspected region
and examines it to return a highly
accurate diagnosis. Biopsies are
generally not painful.
Another option is a CT (Computed
Tomography) scan. This is an X-ray
procedure where a scanner takes
many cross-sectional images as
it rotates around the body. Sometimes,
the patient ingests a dye that
helps define the picture. CT scans
have the advantage of being non-invasive
and easier, and they are considered
an effective way of diagnosing
the disease. 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, whether
it is malignant or benign.
It is also possible to diagnose
pleural mesothelioma by taking
a sample of fluid from the pleura
and testing it for the presence
of cancer cells.
Any of these methods may also
be used to screen for mesothelioma.
Screening is when patients who
may suspect they are at risk are
tested for the condition without
displaying any symptoms, to make
sure they are not in danger or
to catch the cancer as early as
possible. Patients should be screened
for mesothelioma if they have
a history of asbestos exposure.
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