Cause
At some point in our lives, nearly all of us have been exposed to
asbestos in
the air we breathe and the water we drink; from natural deposits in the earth,
and from the deterioration of asbestos products around us. Most of us, however,
do not become ill as a result of our exposure. More commonly, those who at some
point are diagnosed with asbestos disease, have worked in jobs where more
substantial exposure occurred over longer periods of time. Symptoms of asbestos disease
usually are not be apparent until decades after exposure.
Symptoms
The early symptoms of mesothelioma are generally non-specific, and may lead
to a delay in diagnosis. Sometimes resembling viral pneumonia, pleural
Mesothelioma patients may present with shortness of breath, chest pain and/or
persistent cough; some patients show no symptoms at all. A chest x-ray may show
a build-up of fluid or pleural effusion (discussed below). The right lung is
affected 60% of the time, with involvement of both lungs being seen in
approximately 5% of patients at the time of diagnosis. Less common symptoms of
pleural mesothelioma include fever, night sweats and weight loss. Symptoms of
peritoneal mesothelioma may include pain or swelling in the abdomen due to a
build-up of fluid, nausea, weight loss, bowel obstruction, anemia or swelling of
the feet.
How is
Mesothelioma diagnosed?
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is most often obtained with careful assessment of
clinical and radiological findings in addition to a confirming tissue biopsy.
(Learn about
typical
Mesothelioma symptoms.) A review of the patient's medical
history, including history of asbestos exposure is taken, followed by a complete
physical examination, x-rays of the chest or abdomen, and lung function tests. A
CT scan or MRI may also be done at this time. If any of these preliminary tests
prove suspicious for mesothelioma; a biopsy is necessary to confirm this
diagnosis
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