Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages

Mesothelioma Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Stages

Signs and Symptoms

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

* chest wall pain

* pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung

* shortness of breath

* wheezing, hoarseness, or cough

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* abdominal pain

* ascites, or an abnormal buildup of fluid in the abdomen

* a mass in the abdomen

* problems with bowel function

* weight loss

* blood clots in the veins, which may cause thrombophlebitis

* disseminated intravascular coagulation, a disorder causing severe bleeding in many body organs

* jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin

* low blood sugar level

* pleural effusion

* pulmonary emboli, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs

* severe ascites

Diagnosis

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a estimate of other conditions. Analysis begins with a quote of the patient's healing history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A bodily test is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may quote pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A Ct (or Cat) scan or an Mri is ordinarily performed. If a large estimate of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with an paracentesis or ascitic drain and in a pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis. While absence of malignant cells on cytology does not fully exclude mesothelioma, it makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative Analysis can be made (e.g. Tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is inevitable or a plaque is regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a Analysis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for test under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in distinct ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer is in the chest, the doctor may accomplish a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut through the chest wall and puts a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and collect tissue samples.

Once the Analysis is confirmed, the doctor may need to correlate the stage to help plan treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane covering where it originated. It is classified as industrialized if it has spread beyond the customary membrane covering to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may accomplish a laparoscopy. To collect tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small occasion in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield sufficient tissue, more allinclusive diagnostic surgical operation may be necessary.

Mesothelioma Symptoms