Mesothelioma causes, symptoms, diagnosis, stages

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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 abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen

* Weight of stomach

* Problems with intestinal function

Weight Loss

* The development of blood clots in the veins, which mayCause thrombophlebitis

* The disseminated intravascular coagulation, resulting in severe bleeding disorders 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

Diagnostics

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are many other conditions are similar. Diagnosis beginsreview of the patient’s medical history. A history of exposure to asbestos may increase clinical suspicion for mesothelioma. A physical examination is performed, followed by chest X-ray and often lung function tests. The X-ray may reveal pleural thickening commonly seen after asbestos exposure and increases suspicion of mesothelioma. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI is usually performed. If a large amount of fluid is present, abnormal cells may be detected by cytology if this fluid is drawn with a syringe. For pleural fluid this is done by a pleural tap or chest drain, in ascites from the puncture or leakage of ascites and pericardial effusion with pericardiocentesis can be. Despite the absence of tumor cells in cytology does not exclude mesothelioma, which is much more likely, especially if an alternative diagnosis can be made (eg tuberculosis, heart failure).

If cytology is positive or board considered suspicious, a biopsy is necessaryTo confirm the diagnosis. Surgeon 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. In the case of breast cancer, your doctor will thoracoscopy book. In this procedure, a doctor makes a small incision through the chest wall and a thin lighted tube called a thoracoscope into the chest between two ribs. Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look insidethe chest and obtain tissue samples.

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

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated. It is classified as advanced if it has spread beyond the original membrane surface 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 Perform laparoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination by a doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument into the abdomen. If these procedures do not provide enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic intervention may be required.

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