mesothelioma diagnosed

Mesothelioma is described as localized if the cancer is found only on the membrane surface where it originated.Knowing the stage of the disease helps the doctor plan treatment.Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever.Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions.In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body.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.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.A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful.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.A CT scan is a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine.A complete physical examination may be performed, including x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests.It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms.A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma.

These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed.If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.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 chest, the doctor may perform a thoracoscopy.Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions.

If the diagnosis is mesothelioma, the doctor will want to learn the stage (or extent) of the disease.A biopsy may be done in different ways, depending on where the abnormal area is located.If the cancer is in the abdomen, the doctor may perform a peritoneoscopy.Thoracoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the chest and obtain tissue samples.Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.If these procedures do not yield enough tissue, more extensive diagnostic surgery may be necessary.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.Diagnosis begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure.Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.