19
2011
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms of Mesotheliom usually do not appear for 15 to 50 years after asbestos exposure. When symptoms do appear, it may still me require expertise to diagnose mesothelioma, as the symptoms often mimic other diseases as well as typical respiratory illnesses and even the common cold. The symptoms vary according to the type of mesothelioma. Those with pleural mesothelioma often exhibit persistent coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, lumps on the chest, under the skin, and grow tired easily. Those with the peritoneal type may experience stomach pain, weight loss and nausea. Pericardial mesothelioma causes the heart to beat irregularly, palpitations, breathing difficulties, chest pain and night sweats.
Diagnosis
A physician will perform a review of a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical examination. If the findings suggest something abnormal, the doctor may order some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans or PET scans. These tests are used to locate the cancer, identify the size and determine the type of cancer. A biopsy is usually also ordered to test fluid and tissue samples, to confirm diagnosis, and see if the mesothelioma is benign or malignant.
Treatment
After a diagnosis of mesothelioma is confirmed, the next step is to decide the course of treatment. Treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery. Patients usually choose a combination of treatments, as it helps the body aggressively fight the cancer and lengthen the patient’s life expectancy. Mesothelioma patients are often given only one year to live following diagnosis, although early diagnosis and aggressive treatment may improve the outcome.
Besides the three most common types of treatment, there are also experimental treatments such as gene therapy, immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy. However, these options have not been fully researched and approved for use and may only be available through clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials, though sometimes risky, may increase the chance of a cure being discovered.
