Mesothelioma and General Health

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that is usually caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease takes its name from the mesothelium, which is the lining that covers most of the internal organs in the body. This form of cancer occurs when malignant cells develop mesothelium, usually on the exterior of the internal chest wall and lungs, known as the pleura. Although it is difficult to diagnose because of its similarities to other conditions, it is possible to differentiate mesothelioma from other forms of cancer by taking these factors into account.

Work history. A major red flag in recognition of mesothelioma cancer is whether there has been exposure to asbestos in the past. Asbestos is usually but not always, the main cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos can be inhaled or swallowed and enter the mesothelium, causing damage to cells and other forms of cancer. Symptoms of mesothelioma may appear decades after exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms. There are many symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (the most common form of mesothelioma), including difficulty breathing because of fluid in the lungs, weight loss, persistent cough and chest pain. Peritoneal mesothelioma can cause abdominal pain, weight loss, nausea and anemia. These symptoms, of course, may be due to other causes, so it is important to rule out any alternative conditions.

X-ray tests X-rays including pleural thickening may indicate mesothelioma and therefore previous exposure to asbestos. Chest X-rays can also rule out other respiratory problems may be causing the same symptoms as mesothelioma.

Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. These tests can indicate the presence of an abnormally large amount of fluid, which can be a sign of this cancer.

Cytology. Excess fluid can be aspirated or collected by a chest drain or pleural puncture. Cytology can then detect whether there are any malignant cells – a sign of mesothelioma.

Rule out alternative diagnoses. Symptoms of mesothelioma may be caused by other conditions such as tuberculosis, viral pneumonia or heart failure. The doctors can come to a diagnosis by ruling out alternative conditions.

A biopsy of the mesothelium. If a doctor suspects mesothelioma, he or she can biopsy tissue, possibly through thorocoscopy, or a small cut in the chest with a lighted tube inserted.

Once mesothelioma is diagnosed, can be treated. Like many diseases, mesothelioma can be treated more effectively if it is caught early. Only a doctor can give an accurate diagnosis.