Symptoms and Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
People with mesothelioma do not have any health problems and do not develop any signs and symptoms about 30 to 50 years after the exposure to asbestos. Since the early detection and treatment of any type of cancer including mesothelioma most often decides between life and death all types of mesothelioma except for benign forms are almost invariably fatal. However, miracles do happen and one should not lose hope in any situation no matter how hopeless it seems.
Symptoms and signs of mesothelioma are often very unspecific and similar to variety of other less serious conditions. However, if being exposed to asbestos in any period of life even if it was half of a century ago one should take following symptoms and signs very seriously and seek medical assistance immediately:- unexplained weight loss
- loss of appetite
- shortness of breath
- wheezing, hoarseness or persistent cough
- trouble swallowing or swelling of the neck or face
- pain in the chest
- abdominal pain or/and swelling
- anemia
- bowel obstruction
- blood clotting abnormalities
- fever
- pleural effusion (water in the lungs)
Since symptoms of mesothelioma are very similar to variety of other, usually less serious conditions diagnosis of mesothelioma is often difficult. Thus diagnosis of mesothelioma always begins with review of patients medical and work history to determine person's potential exposure to asbestos. If preliminary medical examinations suspect the possibility of mesothelioma are required further diagnostic tests such as x-rays, CT and MRI scans which provide detailed pictures of the internal areas of the body. The diagnosis of mesothelioma is then finally confirmed with a biopsy, a removal of the cells or tissues samples of which are analyzed and examined chemically. Diagnostic tests also feature staging of mesothelioma to determine if the cancer is still localized or if it metastasized what is crucial for the treatment of the disease.