Mesothelioma » Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:30:06 +0000

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.

A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. In a biopsy, a surgeon or a medical oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating cancer) removes a sample of tissue 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 is in the chest, the doctor may perform 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 obtain tissue samples. If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy. To obtain tissue for examination, the doctor makes a small opening in the abdomen and inserts a special instrument called a peritoneoscope into the abdominal cavity. If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease. Staging involves more tests in a careful attempt to find out whether the cancer has spread and, if so, to which parts of the body. Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor 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.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 15:11:15 +0000

The symptoms of Mesothelioma will vary depending on the area affected and will vary from case to case and with the severity of the illness. Pleural (lung), peritoneal (abdomen), and pericardial (heart) Mesothelioma may cause different symptoms but many of the symptoms will overlap. It is important to know that it may be decades before any symptoms appear and that these symptoms may be non-specific and may be mistaken for other more common illnesses like flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, or heart disease.

Please keep in mind that these symptoms may be caused by Mesothelioma or by other less serious conditions. Only a doctor can make a definitive diagnosis.

Pleural Mesothelioma

The early symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma may resemble viral pneumonia; shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or persistent cough. A chest x-ray may show a buildup of fluid in one or both lungs. Less common symptoms may include fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Some patients will show no symptoms.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma may include pain and swelling of the abdomen due to a buildup of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia, and/or swelling of the feet.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma may include chect pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, persistent coughing, and extreme fatigue after minimal exertion.

What Is Mesothioma?

Law Firms Specializing In Mesothelioma

admin — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:01:40 +0000

If you find yourself in a position where you need to consult an attorney specializing in Mesothelioma, we’ve compiled a list of possible sources. i-Mesothelioma.net has no relationship with these firms nor do we provide an endorsment of any kind. This list is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitue legal advise.

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