Mesothelioma

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of several other conditions. Diagnosis begins with an overview of the patient's medical history. Earlier exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion of mesothelioma. A physical examination is carried out, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. CT (or cat) scan or MRI is usually carried out. How much fluid is present, abnormal cells can be detected by cytopathology than that of fluid aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid to the pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with paracentesis or ascitic drain and pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. Although the absence of malignant cells in cytology does not completely exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more Unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (eg tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaque is considered suspicious, biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The doctor removed the tissue sample under a microscope examination by pathologie. Biopsy may be done differently depending where is the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, your doctor may perform thoracoscopy. In this procedure, your doctor will make small cut through the chest wall and a thin pugs, Lighted tube called thoracoscope into the chest of two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to examine inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.

If the cancer is stomach, your doctor may perform laparoscopy. In order to obtain tissue examination, a doctor makes a small abdominal incision, and adds a special instrument into an abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not provide sufficient tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

Sighns and Symptoms

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appears until 20-50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath, cough and chest pain due to accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and cachexia, abdominal swelling and pain due to ascites (fluid buildup abdominal cavity). Other symptoms of peritoneal Mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting disorders, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, difficulty swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.

Mesothelioma that affects the lungs can cause these signs and symptoms:

• Chest wall pain
• Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung
• Shortness
• Fatigue or anemia
• Breathlessness, hoarseness, or cough
• Blood in the sputum (fluid) meet up (hemoptysis)