Mesothelioma causes, symptoms, diagnosis, stages

Signs and symptoms

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

* Chest pain

* Pleural effusion, or fluid surrounding the lung

* Shortness of breath

* Difficulty breathing, hoarseness, cough

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* Abdominal pain

* Ascites, or an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity

* Abdominal mass

* Problems with bowel function

* Weight Loss

* The formation of blood clots in the veins, whichmay 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

* Pleural effusion

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

* Severe ascites

Diagnosis

Mesothelioma diagnosis is often difficult because the symptoms are a number of other conditions are similar. Diagnosisbegins with a review of the patient's records. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A medical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly increased after exposure to asbestos and suspected cases of mesothelioma seen. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells can be detected byCytology if this fluid is aspirated with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with a puncture or drain ascites and pericardial effusion can be with pericardiocentesis. While the absence of malignant cells on cytology does not rule out completely, mesothelioma, makes it much more unlikely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (eg tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or a plaqueregarded as suspicious, a biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a tissue sample for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If the cancer in the breast, the doctor will prescribe a thoracoscopy book. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and provides a thin, lighted a tube called thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs.Thoracoscopy can search the doctor in the chest and obtain tissue samples.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may have to plan on the stage to help assess treatment.

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface, where it has emerged. It is classified as advanced if it beyond the original membrane surface to other parts of the body that has spread, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, chest wall, or abdominal organs.

Ifof cancer in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, makes the doctor a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdomen. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be required.

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