Mesothelioma Symptoms

The diagnosing of mesothelioma is no easy task. Many of its symptoms can be confused with those befitting other maladies. A patient's medical history is reviewed and that also includes the patient's vocational history to determine if the he or she was exposed to asbestos for any great amount of time. CT scans or x-rays of the chest or abdomen and lung function tests may be performed to narrow down the likely cause of the symptoms.

Ultimately a biopsy will be conducted to confirm the disease. An oncologist (or a surgeon) removes a tissue sample through the biopsy for further diagnosis. Thoracoscopy is the biopsy conducted if the cancer is believed to be in the chest. Here the oncologist will make a small cut through the chest wall in order to insert a lighted tube -- a thoracoscope -- between the ribs. This allows the doctor the ability to look inside and obtain the necessary tissue samples. Peritoneoscopy is the process used if the cancer is believed to be in the abdomen. Here a peritoneoscope enters into the abdominal cavity through a small opening.

Is it mesothelioma? If so the doctor will gauge the stage of the disease. When you hear about early detection being critical in treating most forms of cancer, this is what they mean. Staging determines how advanced the cancer is and if it has spread into other areas.

Mesothelioma is localized if the cancer is found only on the original membrane surface. It is considered advanced if it has spread elsewhere in the body.

Mesothelioma Lawyers
What is Mesothelioma?
Pleural Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma Questions
Mesothelioma Lawsuits
Are You at Risk?
The Role of Asbestos
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma Attorney
Mesothelioma Treatment Costs
Asbestos Settlement

 

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