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 intestinal function
* Weight Loss
* The formation of blood clots in the veins, which mayCause thrombophlebitis
* The 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 embolism, or blood clots in the arteries of the lungs
* Severe ascites
Diagnosis
Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult because the symptoms are a number of other conditions are similar. The diagnosis begins with aReview of the documentation of the patient. 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 detected by cytology if this fluidis drawn with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites with a puncture or leak of ascites and pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis may be. While the absence of malignant cells in 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 plaque regarded as suspicious, a biopsy is necessaryto confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A doctor removes a sample of tissue for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. A biopsy can be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located. If breast cancer, your doctor may perform a thoracoscopy. In this procedure, the doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and provides a thin, lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look insideTo receive breast tissue samples.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor may have to plan on the scene to assist in evaluating the treatment.
Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface, where it emerged. E 'is classified as advanced if 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.
If the cancer in the abdomen, the doctor mayPerform a laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes 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 intervention may be required.
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