Mesotheliemo Symptoms & Diagnosis
Often, mesotheliemo symptoms mirror those of many other conditions. This means diagnosis is neither quick nor easy.
Prior to diagnosis, symptoms of mesotheliemo are typical of many patient complaints. Furthermore, once individuals have lived with annoying physical symptoms for awhile, they usually lose objectivity regarding their depth and frequency. In the case of mesotheliemo, it’s even more difficult, since its symptoms are common to many other illnesses.
Shortness of breath, pain and/or discomfort while breathing, unusual fatigue, stomach pains, general weakness, and other signs of mesotheliemo are similar to many other physical problems. Usually, respiratory functions offer the most noticeable symptoms, but since mesotheliemo can occur in the stomach or nearby organs, all unusual symptoms must be investigated.
Usually, patients first must make an appointment with their family doctor. Their weight, temperature, blood pressure, prescription use and other medical data is noted. They will then be asked specific questions regarding the onset and length of their symptoms. After taking the patient's full medical history, the doctor will conduct a detailed analysis into asbestos exposure. The patient must be prepared to discuss all such incidents. This includes direct handling of asbestos at work or home, time spent in buildings housing asbestos, and contact with appliances containing asbestos.
The physician will conduct a complete physical examination, perform a lung function test, and probably will arrange for X-rays. Traditional X-rays will be taken of the chest and/or abdomen. These will show tumors or fluid and plaque buildup of calcifications or mineral deposits. The X-ray can also display an irregular thickening of the protective lung covering, as well as spaces between the lung lobes. Findings often result in the patient requiring other pulmonary examinations.
Physicians then rely upon computed tomography, commonly called a CT scan. Radiographs and computer technology combine multiple X–ray images into 2 dimensional cross–sectional images. Since the CT machine rotates 180 degrees around a patient’s body, detailed and complete images are achieved. These display varying bone and tissue thicknesses, which can identify the exact size and location of mesotheliemo tumors. It will also display pleural effusions or fluid. The test requires no preparation or anesthesia and is painless. The individual lies on a table for 20-60 minutes. It is done at a specialized facility or in a hospital on an out-patient basis. Although the CT scan is very thorough, the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) produces even more accuracy. Using strong magnets and radio waves, detailed images of three-dimensional, cross sectional views are produced. The procedure has been quite successful in detecting tumors of the lungs-especially beneficial when checking for the spread of mesotheliemo tumors for patients undergoing surgery. Like the CT scan, MRI patients need no preparation. They lie on a table within a long, tubular structure which rotates around them. The test lasts between 30 to 90 minutes. For patients with a fear of closed-in spaces, they can request a sedative. (There may even be a local facility which offer open MRI’s.) Although an MRI scan is painless, it is very noisy, so earplugs will be placed in the patient’s ears. This test will require the removal of metal and jewelry. The Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan can also display very small malignancies.
For a definitive diagnosis, doctors request a biopsy. The affected tissue or fluid sample is examined under a microscope by a pathologist who evaluates the growth rate and strength of tumors. A fluid biopsy is usually done first; a long, thin needle is utilized to obtain fluid from within the lung or its lining. However, some doctors proceed directly to a tissue biopsy, where a tiny camera is inserted through an incision, and thus a sample taken with the patient under local anesthesia. This is referred to as a laparoscopy or thoracoscopy. Another procedure is to perform an open lung biopsy under general anesthesia. It carries the same risks as surgery, so the same precautions must be taken- including a chest tube to prevent lung collapse for a few days. Many medical professionals feel this gives provides the best tissue samples and offers the most accurate diagnosis and patient condition.
Mesotheliemo patients can thus be assured of receiving the most concise diagnostic methods known in the world today.
