According to the American Cancer Society, mesothelioma is named for the mesothelium, or the lining throughout the abdominal and chest cavities and their organs. It is a specific type of lung cancer that occurs more often in patients who have been exposed to asbestos, zeolites, radiation and the SV40 virus. Mesothelioma most often occurs in the lungs and is known as "pleural mesothelioma." However, it can also affect the reproductive organs, abdomen and heart; this type is called "peritoneal mesothelioma." Following are some of the more common symptoms of the disease and a discussion of diagnostic methods used.
Pleural Mesothelioma Symptoms
The American Cancer Society explains that pleural mesothelioma, which is cancer of the lining of the chest cavity, can create the following symptoms:
• Chest and/or lower back pain
• Trouble breathing and swallowing
• Fever and sweating
• Coughing and hoarseness
• Weight loss
• Swelling of extremities and face
• General tiredness and loss of muscle strength
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity and can affect several organs. The American Cancer Society states the following symptoms warrant further investigation:
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or fluid buildup in the abdomen
• Otherwise unexplained weight loss
Other less common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include bowel obstruction and anemia.
Mesothelioma Testing
Of course, only a doctor can determine if your symptoms are possibly those of mesothelioma or a different illness. However, if your physician determines that you also carry some risk factors of the disease, a variety of tests may be performed. These may include a chest x-ray, CT or CAT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, and blood and tissue tests.
Imaging Diagnostics for Mesothelioma
Chest x-rays and CAT scans can reveal any abnormal growths in the lungs or the areas surrounding them, and an MRI can help the doctor discern whether any growth is due to mesothelioma or if it may be another type of tumor.
Tissue and Blood Testing for Mesothelioma
Blood tests can reveal if a patient has anemia or blood clotting abnormalities, which are less common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. Upon finding a growth or tumor, a physician may also decide to remove fluid from the mesothelium or biopsy the growth for further testing. This allows microscopic study of the cells to determine if they are, in fact, malignant or benign and confirm the type of cancer cells they are, if necessary. Finally, if cancer cells are found in these tissue tests, samples from the patient's lymph nodes will determine if they have potentially already spread to other areas of the body.
